Twelve Black Country n Potteries members completed the Midlands Masters Championships in Rugby. Between them they amassed a total of 22 golds, 12 silvers and 6 bronze medals. On the way they set 12 new County, 3 Midland and 3 new (and extremely prestigious) club relay records. 

On day one BCPM, 200+, 200 metres, Mixed Freestyle Team took championship gold. Sharon Evans, Martyn Finney, Justine Doody and Phil Carpenter set an impressive new club mark of 2.05.12 to become district winners.

Kath Tunnicliffe swam to a new Midlands and County Record mark in the 65+ 200 Backstroke in a time of 3.10.75. 

County record breakers involved Phil Carpenter 50 Breast and 100 IM, Lindsey Gowland 50 Breast and 100 IM, Sharon Evans 100 Fly, Tracy Ellis 200 Back and Richard Woodall 200 Breast. 

Hannah Woodall stretched her horizons with a competent 100 IM and achieved Silver in the 200 Breast. Sharon Evans competed 3 more of her decathlon events in fine style, 100 Fly Bronze, 100 IM Silver and 100 Back Silver.

On the second day of competition, Tony Ward led the 240+ Mens Freestyle relay off to a blistering start in their 200m relay. In the process he set a new 65+, 50m Freestyle, Staffs and Midlands record, with a time of 29.37. The squad also involved Martyn Finney, Richard Woodall and Phil Carpenter. They were matched all the way by Kenilworth Masters. On the final leg Phil managed to edge ahead to claim victory for BCPM. The tables were turned later in the day, when in the Medley relay, Kenilworth took their revenge, in an equally thrilling race. The BCPM lads have the honour of setting new marks for these events in the club relay record table.

Not to be outdone the girls successfully defended both their 200+, 200m Freestyle and Medley relay titles. Gold medal winning teams featured, Anne, Tracy, Justine, Diane, Sharon, Lindsey and Kath.

Lindsey Gowland nailed a new Staffs and Midlands record with a time of 1.10.16 in the 60+, ladies 100m freestyle.

New county record marks were also set by Tracy Ellis 100 breast and 200 IM, and Martyn Finney 200 Fly.

Gold medals also went to Kath Tunnicliffe 100 free, 50 back and 50 fly, Lindsey Gowland 50 Fly, Justine Doody 200 IM and Diane Asbury 200 free. Justine also took Silver in the 100 free and 100 breast, Phil Carpenter, Silver in the 100 free and 50 fly, Martyn Finney, Bronze in the 50 fly and Sharon Evans finished her exhaustive weekend programme with a 200m IM to bag a Bronze medal.

It’s just 12 months since BCPM members swam their first Midlands championship and proudly wore club swim caps for the first time.  Since then BCPM has expanded to include mixed and male relay teams. Success has followed, but as importantly, club members have had a blast! Onwards!