Greg Smith steps down as President, John Tripp picks up the role!

At the recent Hart SC AGM, a new President of Hart SC was voted in, John Tripp. John has been involved with Hart Swimming Club for many years, holding several volunteer positions, including Chairman and has recently been helping as its official COVID officer. Stepping down as President is Greg Smith, Greg has been involved with Hart Swimming Club for over 17 years in many volunteer roles including Treasurer and Chairman.

Departing his position, Greg said “I came to swimming relatively late in life. I first got the real swimming ‘bug’ in the early 2000’s when I took up swimming purely to try and stay fit. I joined Hart SC in 2004 when my daughter, Imogen, also joined in what was then the newly formed Minnows squad. She quickly became very good and that’s when I first took up the stopwatch and volunteered as a Timekeeper. One thing leading to another and I have been officiating at Hart, County, Regional and open meets ever since. I quickly realised that the running of Hart SC was totally reliant on volunteers with there never being enough volunteering. Hart, at the time, was in danger of being without a Treasurer. I took the decision to volunteer as Treasurer, having never been a committee member for anything in the past. I served as Treasurer and a member of the exec-committee for 5 years. When it was time to hang up my quill and abacus I was offered the role as President, a great honour for me. During my time as official and Hart SC committee member I also started to train with the Hart Masters and was ‘persuaded’ to compete in the Hampshire County Master. I can thoroughly recommend this to anyone – it is true the Masters are a diverse and enjoyable group to swim with.

Spencer added “Everyone at the club wants to pass on our utmost thanks to Greg for the years of voluntary service he has given the club. He certainly made my role as Chairman much easier and has always provided absolute sound advice and guidance to Hart SC. Thank you Greg. We are also excited that John Tripp has accepted the position as President! Everyone at the club is delighted that John will continue to support us and guide us for the years ahead.”