The West Midlands Regional Disability Championships was held at Tudor Grange Leisure Centre in Solihull on Saturday 28th September and saw the largest competitor entry for a number of years with a total of 48 swimmers applying to compete.

There was also a number of Young Volunteers (Andrew Gulliver, Jovan Owusu-Nepaul included) gaining their competition experience as part of the Timekeeper course.

Disabilities ranged from Alex Johnson (SB4) up to Martha Ryan (S15), with 6 swimmers also competing for the first time following their classification earlier in the day.

Notable results from the competition include:

18 year old Tully Kearney (S10) was the first winner of the night with a solo swim in the 400m freestyle, cheered on home as she finished in a time of 5:00.76 and followed this up with golds in the 50m Back (34.94), 100m Back (1:12.03) and 50m Fly (35.16).

Later on and to show age is no barrier to competing, a young 40 year old Robin Surgeoner (SB5) took gold in both the 50m Breast (50.72) and 100m Breast (1:51.62).

Newly classified 23 year old Keira Shepherd (S8) took gold in the 50m Free (36.83), 100m Free (1:25.43) and silver in the 50m Back (44.20).

S14 swimmer Adam Meanwell (22 years), won gold in 100m IM (1:10.47), 50m Fly (30.15) and 50m Free (26.69).

Hasna Hakim (SB9) won the 50m Breastroke in a personal best time of 42.25.

Full results can be seen here:

http://www.westmidlandswimming.org.uk/website/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=433:regional-disability-championships&catid=20:news&Itemid=36

Today was the funeral of the most successful Diddy Coach in the history of Perry Beeches Swimming Club – Vernon Tonks.

The crematorium was full to bursting, and still there were more who listened to the service outside over the loudspeakers.

Such is the respect that people hold for Vernon Tonks.

Jo Tonks posted that she ‘would like to thank everybody who attended Vernon’s funeral today and the countless messages of care and support the family have received. About half of the congregation had a seat while many others stood outside to pay their respects. So proud that the head of the Tonks clan was important to many others too.’

God bless you Vernon Tonks x

For those of you wishing to pay your respects, Vernon Tonks’ Funeral will be held on Monday 30th September at 11:15 at Perry Barr crematorium, then onto the Great Barr golf club.

Our thoughts are with Barbara, Gary and family at this time.

It is with regret that we announce the death of Vernon Tonks.

Vernon who was the most successful Diddy Coach in the history of Perry Beeches, passed away after a very brave battle against cancer.

Our thoughts are with the Tonks family at this time.