2023- 31.03.2024
2024 Annual Report
1165267
FRIENDS OF IBSTOCK AND DESFORD DISABLED SWIMMERS.
Some of my last sentence for the annual review in 2023 said “we are a fully functioning group again now after keeping our heads above water”. To date this is not the case but we are working on it. Our main need at present is to encourage more volunteer swimming teachers to be able to join us.
We had lost a great deal of water time and although the Trustees had pre planned minor constitution alterations we were unable to fit an AGM in during the above year. This was because of pool closures due to lack of life guards, water not suitable temperature, annual cleaning, coach/teacher’s unreliable heath all having a strong influence on regular sessions during this year.
It soon made practical poolside officials of the group fully aware that a more proactive approach will be needed to move forward quickly. They spoke to qualified officials at events to try and interest others but to no avail. One ex swimmer from our group is in the process of updating her data baring certificate and her safety with the Swim England. Other poolside officials spoke to the parents
The competitive swimmers have taken part in local Open events again now with three being accepted in the Regional Squad. Of the six beginners all, except one, can swim at least three strokes and are now concentrating on stroke improvement and water safety skills. The one exception was petrified of going near deep water when she joined us. With very small steps she pushes off into deep water and swims 5+m back to the side. Repeating again from her own choice, with a large beam across her face.
Members of the teaching team have met with the Leicester Penguins committee to discuss ideas for the possible future of more absorbing active competitive members of the disability squad into their sessions, while the others have additional help in improving their swimming and the parents time to chat about difficulties, when your son or daughter have additional needs. Learning safety skills are high on our list of activities, in a County with lakes,
a Second club member to have a short spell of small group instruction while remaining in their main local club.
Since the Paralympics in 2012, that were outstanding, until 2024 the definition of Para swimmer changed every four years with all credit to many swimmers and coaches.
It is wonderful to see so much change and so many new opportunities opening. These can be in the majority of sports, education, building design and garden, volunteering and too many other activities to name. Many in swimming look at the Paralympians and feel they can not do that, but who knows until they try.
We became a Charity in 2016 but did not apply for any grants during the COVID years. We knew that we were a not-for-profit charity and were without immediate financial need. Increasing teacher/coach ratio before more swimmers is vital.
We would like to continue with our original vision from when we started in Leicestershire in 1972.
That is;
TO FOSTER AND PROMOTE THE SPORT OF DISABILITY SWIMMING AT ALL LEVELS by providing details for fun, recreation, fitness and early competition
20.01.2025 21.01.2025 Jill Stidever Phil Freeman Trustee Lead Coach
2023- 2024 FIDDS Accounts Charity 1165267 Friends of Ibstock and Desford disabled swimmers INCOME Fees Donations Grants Gala fees in Sundry income Pool hire/Lifeguards - refund £3,000.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £55.77 £3,055.77 EXPENSES Pool hire/Lifeguards Gala fees out Training Equipment Swim England fees / Leicester Penguins Bank charges Fees refunded Grant refunded * Sundry expenses Unknown £2,657.44 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £1,415.95 £64.80 £4,138.19 Defecit Expanation of Accounts -£1,082.42 Balance in FIDDS bank account standing at £15,716.41 on 31/03/2024 ref. 2023 -2024 Charity commission Accounts