Members drive to keep club afloat

The Conder boys, (from left) Christian, Ben and Thomas, with Wanganui East Swimming Club trophies from a bygone era needing a new home. Photo/Stuart Munro

The Wanganui East Swimming Club is attempting to resurface after almost going under in recent years.

Committee member Paula Conder said membership had been at an all time low and an initial push to grow numbers on Tuesday night yielded another four or five families.

"We almost closed the club up two years ago when it got to the stage where those on the committee outnumbered members," Conder said.

"We used to have regular club nights, although that hadn't happened for about eight years. We have reinstated club nights and will host them every Wednesday between 6pm and 7pm and training nights are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday between 5pm and 6pm."

The Wanganui East Swimming Club has a very rich history dating back to 1922.

"Unfortunately, in recent years the club has struggled for members but 2014 has started off very well," Conder said.

"We still have the clubrooms at the Wanganui East pool and recently we found old trophies dating back to the 1920s and 1940s which we haven't awarded to anyone in about six or seven years."

Long time club stalwart Tod Sollitt remains the main coach, although he has several younger assistants available following this latest membership push.