A Nottinghamshire swimming legend was remembered at a competition organised by Sutton Swimming Club (SSC).

The inaugural Allen Urch Memorial Meet at Alfreton Leisure Centre attracted competitors from nine swimming clubs — Sutton, Mansfield, Sherwood Colliery, Hucknall, Ripley Rascals, Notts Portland, Carlton Forum, Loughborough Town, and Calverton and Bingham.

It also raised awareness of dementia and SSC was able to present Dementia UK with £1,500.

Allen, who died last year, started coaching with SSC around 1966 — remaining there for 50 years.

He received the Ashfield District Council’s Citizen of the Year Award in 2007 and two years later was placed on the Nottinghamshire Sports Award Roll of Honour.

President of the Notts ASA in 2008 to 2009, Allen was an official at Nottinghamshire County Championships and national events. He officiated at Commonwealth Games trials and Olympic Games trials.

In 2012 he was presented with a diploma for his commitment to swimming by the International Olympic Committee, the same year he was awarded an MBE by Prince Charles.

Sutton head coach Simon Hill said: “This special day was a culmination of months of hard work and dedication from those working hard behind the scenes at the club.

“It will certainly be a day that is remembered fondly by all, as we paid tribute to a great man.

“We hope this event will continue Allen’s legacy and have already booked in for another meet in 2025, on 18th May.”

Sutton Swimming Club head coach Simon Hill presented a memento to Allen Urch’s daughter, Judith, and granddaughters Charlotte and Emily. Also pictured is current SSC swimmer and coach Ellie Read.

There were 50m and 100m races across the four strokes, together with the 100m individual medley. and mixed team relays in freestyle and medley in four age groups — a tribute to Allen, who was a huge fan of relays.

Medals were presented to the top six finishers in each event.

Trophies were presented to:

Top Male — Harry Smith (Mansfield) Top Female — Sienna Brett (Sutton)
Top Junior Male — Kieran Doud (Sutton)
Top Junior Female — Charley Butlin (Sutton)
Top Visiting Club — Ripley Rascals.

SSC thanked The Snipe pub in Sutton and Hungry Horse for their support.

For information about the club, go to https://uk.teamunify.com/team/Sutton/page/home

Four SSC members were presented with special club swim caps for having gained qualifying times to swim at the British Summer Championships and Swim England National Summer Championships at the end of July. Pictured with head coach Simon Hill are Thomas Swales (eight British and three national times), Aurelia Wawrzyniewicz (one British and seven national times), Egors Golubs (one national time) and Joel Harby (one national time).