Beacon Swimming Club

BSC was formed by at a public meeting in Crowborough in 1976. Our first chairman was Charles Hudd and our secretary David Reeves (who went on to become Secretary of the ASA). Bill Johnston became our coach. The Club was based at Beacon school with the majority of swimmers being pupils at the school.

We attended our first away gala in November 1976 at Burgess Hill. In 1977 three Beacon swimmers represented Sussex in the Inter-county championships and our first club championship was held in the same year.

One of our swimmers, Anna Dadswell represented England on a number of occasions in the Age group International Matches in 1978 and in1980 competed in the Olympic trials.

In January 1981 BSC started a teaching programme at Walshes Manor, Crowborough and Bill Johnston obtained his National Coach's Certificate.

In June that year the club made it's first trip abroad to Crowborough's twin town, Montargis, in France.

In January 1983 BSC jointly with Crowborough swimming club (non competitive) agreed to support a scheme to raise 20% of the cost, estimated at £600,000, of providing a public swimming facility in Crowborough. This joint venture would be known as Crowswim. Crowswim raised the tremendous sum of £175,000. The swimming pool was constructed on the present day Freedom Leisure site and in August 1985 was handed over to the town.

Two of our lifesaving members were chosen to represent GB in the 1994 Commonwealth Life Saving championships held in Melbourne. One swimmer came away with a silver and bronze medal and the other with two bronze medals.