President's Prattle - April 2021

Welcome to our new members Gareth, Karen and Alexis. Thank you for (re)joining the Manna family, and we hope you enjoy swimming and socialising with us.

What a fitness, friendship and fun-filled month it has been since the last Prattle.

Congratulations to our Port to Pub swimmers, who all enjoyed successful crossings. How good is it to see the smiles, hugs and euphoria when they touch the sand in Thomsons Bay? A special mention to Jodi and Glenda, our new celebrities, for raising over $3000 for the Black Dog Institute. Well done!

After sending a relatively small team to limber up at the Melville LLCC, it was fantastic to see members answer Captain John's call and rally together en masse to compete and come so close to winning the State Championships. On the pool deck, we went one better. Steve C and his team of dedicated, hard-working volunteers ran the best swim meet ever. Having the State Championships in Mandurah was an opportunity to show Mandurah Masters at its best, an opportunity we grabbed with both hands. Congratulations and thank you to all who competed and the members, family and friends who volunteered and supported the Club.

It's exciting to see our coach's enthusiasm and hard work reaping the rewards, with more members attending training and participating in the recently reintroduced Sunday Vorgee Endurance Swims. Please come along for a swim or two, or have a coffee and chat with the coaches. They are more than happy to answer any questions, help with technique tips or advice on reaching your swimming goals.

It has also been a hectic month on the social scene, thanks to Helen and Glenda's hard work and enthusiasm. Members enjoyed the FishORama Sundowner at Doddi's. They relaxed with a quiet little drink after the State Championships at the Bridge Restaurant and Bar. But, undoubtedly, the social highlight of the year so far was dressing in period costume for an unforgettable Killer (murder mystery) Night as guests of Paul and Debra. It was especially pleasing to see many newer members enjoying the Club's social events.

Looking forward, May is a little quieter. On May 1, Wayne C, Steve F, Ross and Greg are competing in the Lake Argyle swim supported by Lynette, two Ann(e)s, Paul and Debra. We wish them all safe travels and an enjoyable holiday. The next pool meet is Stadium 1500 on May 15, and our next social event is at a Thai Restaurant on May 26. No doubt you will hear more details on those in the coming weeks.

In the meantime, please keep safe and enjoy your swimming!

Steve