2017
Saturday, 21st October 2017 Click below on the documents for details and entry forms:
October 2017 Click below on the documents for details and entry forms:
Saturday, 9th September 2017 Congratulations to the 17 swimmers who went to Swindon to take part in the final round of the Southern Junior League on Saturday 9 September 2017. It was a fantastic performance by such a small team (half the size of the other 3 Swindon ASC, Bristol North and Swindon Dolphins). They won 11 of the 30 events that they competed in with 3 second places, 11 thirds and only 5 fourths. There were 16 events that we could not compete in due to lack of numbers especially in the boys relays. All of the swimmers should feel very proud of their achievements, especially some of the younger less confident ones who put in some outstanding performances on the night.
Thursday, 1st June 2017 This year North Dorset Turbos Swimming Club had 4 children gain age group regional qualifying times. Chloe Bright, Alex Heron, Annabel Drudge and Leon Mowlem took part in this year's event staged over two weekends in Horfield and Millfield. Most swims resulted in personal best times, Alex in Breaststroke, Chloe in Backstroke, Annabel in Breaststroke and Freestyle and Leon in Butterfly and Freestyle. Congratulations must go to all 4 for a great effort.
Thursday, 8th June 2017 The head coach at North Dorset Turbos Swimming club Chris Gassmann has had the honour of being made the President of the Dorset ASA. Chris has been teaching and coaching since 1970 and has been head coach since 2003 and has dedicated a huge amount of time and support to the club over the years. The role of president involves representing Dorset ASA at all competitive swimming, synchronised swimming and water polo events, presenting the medals and awards entertaining other county ASA Presidents and attending the inter county competition at Sheffield. This is a great accolade for Chris and well deserved recognition for his many years of service to swimming within Dorset.
Sunday, 23rd April 2017 Sixteen swimmers enjoyed a successful day at the annual County Graded Meet in Dorchester. Our swimmers won 2 gold, 5 silver and 3 bronze medals as well as achieving numerous personal best times. In the club points competition we came 6th out of eleven clubs taking part only beaten by much larger clubs.
Sunday, 26th February 2017 Thirteen swimmers from our Club took part in the Dorset County championships over two weekends [18/19 and 25/26 February] at the Littledown Centre, Bournemouth. Leon Mowlem made 6 finals in 50m and 100m events, with Chloe Bright 2, Annabel Drudge 3 and Mia Merefield 1. Annabel won a third place bronze medal in the 200m Breaststroke. In all 90 of the events entered resulted in personal best times. During the championships head coach Chris Gassmann was presented with an award in recognition of long service as a County Official. The club now trains three times a week at RiversMeet, Gillingham, three evenings at Port Regis School and once every two weeks at Millfield School. 2016
Saturday, 8th October 2016 Turbos gained 8 1st places during an enjoyable evening of competition. In the end we came second to Wareham who were swimming in their home pool.
Friday, 14th October 2016 Seven of our swimmers competed over the weekend producing excellent results including several regional times and pb's. Alex Heron and Jake Mowbray were medal winners in breaststroke and butterfly.
July 2016 Pictured here are some of the children from North Dorset Turbos that took part in the Dorset Development Meet in Bournemouth in July [Jake 2 gold, 3 silver, 2 bronze. Leon 1 silver, Lilly 2 gold, and Hattie 2 silver. Jake also won the skins in 50 backstroke]. 36 children took part and won 8 gold, 8 silver and 6 bronze, and achieved an amazing 66 personal-best times. 
Friday, 22nd April 2016 Seven of our members achieved consideration times for this year's Summer Regional Championships which take place in Plymouth, Bristol and Millfield in May. They are Jake Mowbray, Ben Delf, Alex Heron, James Byrne, Leon Mowlem, Chloe Bright and Matthew Gassmann.
February 2016 Following another successful year of swimming which saw swimmers compete in County Championships and South West Regional Championships, the clubs best ever performance; the annual awards evening for NDTSC was recently held to celebrate the achievements and development of all the swimmers. During the evening the swimmers were awarded their medals from their recently held Club Championships. In addition some swimmers received well deserved recognition from their coaches for their hard work and effort over the last year. These swimmers were:
Front row (left to right): Elise Bloy, Ethan Bloy, Alex Herron, Alex Chambers, Jessica Gassmann 
Saturday, 20th February 2016 Five of our swimmers made the finals on the first weekend of Counties at The Littledown Centre, Bournemouth. Jake Mowbray led the way with a silver medal in the boys 15 years 200m butterfly and the junior bronze for the same event. His time was a regional consideration time. Other finalists were Ben Delf in the 14 years 50m butterfly [also a regional consideration time], Lily Burles in the 13 years 100m breaststroke, Charlotte Lindsay in the 11 years butterfly and Amber Neilson in the 100m Individual Medley. 
Saturday, 27th February 2016 On the Saturday of the second weekend Chloe Bright reached the final of the 12 yrs 50m backstroke and Alex Heron achieved a regional consideration time whilst achieving 7th place in the 12 yrs 200m breaststroke final. On the Sunday Jake Mowbray and Matt Gassmann gained regional consideration times in the 15yrs 100m butterfly and the 14 yrs 50m backstroke. Over the two weekends several swimmers, including Leon Mowlem, Jake Mowbray, Charlotte Lindsey and Chloe Bright, were reserves for finals. On the third weekend Jake Mowbray gained a third regional consideration time when he came 3rd in his age group in the 1500m at Dorchester. Over the 3 weekends 1th 16 club members who competed enjoyed a great deal of success not only by reaching finals but gaining personal best times and experience. 2015
Sunday, 6th December 2015 19 members of our club took part in the annual West Dorset Christmas Meet in Dorchester on the 6th December. 8 medals were won by 5 swimmers: Alex Heron with golds in 50m and 100m breaststroke, Matthew Gassmann with bronze in 50m backstroke, Ben Delf with silvers in 50m and 100m breaststroke, Anna Ibbotson with silver in 100m breaststroke and James Byrne with gold in the 100m IM and silver in the 100m breaststroke. A number of swimmers were taking part in an open meet for the first time and gained valuable experience. Everyone who took part gained personal best times making it an enjoyable day,
November 2015 Our Club Championship will be on November 13th, 14th, 19th, 20th and 22nd. To enter, please download and print the application form, and return it by Tuesday November 10th.
Saturday, 4th July 2015 Twenty eight swimmers took part in this year's event. Personal best times were achieved in most of the 107 events entered and twenty medals were won [11 of them gold] by Seren Banneel,James Byrne, Ben Delf, Tom Delf, Alex Heron, Hattie Curtis, Anna Ibbotson, and Sam Waker. Seren Banneel and Ben Delf were selected for the skins elimination races, Hattie Curtis received the trophy for the most improved freestyle swimmer.
Sunday, 28th June 2015 Seren Banneel had great success in this year's ASA South West Region Open Water Meet. Competing in the 3000m swim Seren combated unusually cold water and jelly fish to complete the course. He was the fastest swimmer in his age group from Dorset, second in the South West and sixth over all.
Saturday, 25th April 2015 24 swimmers took part on the County Graded Meet in Dorchester on April 25th. Many who took part were competing in their first County event. Everyone performed well with almost every swim resulting in a personal best time and 17 medals were won: 7 gold, 4 silver and 6 bronze. In addition Chloe Bright won the award for the Top 12 year old girl.
Monday, 2nd March 2015 Eighteen members of North Dorset Turbos Swimming Club took part in the Dorset County Championships over the weekends of 21/22 February and 28 February/1st March. James Byrne won a bronze medal in the 100m Breaststroke and he and eight other swimmers won 26 4th to 8th place ribbons between them; these were Matthew Appleby, Stephen Appleby, Seren Banneel, Lily Burles, Hattie Curtis, Ben Delf, Francesca Hill and Sam Louth. Ben Delf achieved two South West Region Qualifying times and Tom Delf, James Byrne, Lily Burles and Hattie Curtis gained South West Counties Consideration Times. All of those taking part swam personal best times in most of their events.  2014
Sunday, 7th December 2014 17 members took part in the annual West Dorset Warriors Christmas Meet at Dorchester Pool on December 7th. 23 medals for first to third places were won by Seren Banneel [5], Ben Delf [3], Stephen Appleby [3], Matthew Appleby [2], Sam Louth [2], Lily Burles [2], Alex Herron [2], James byrne [2] and Harriet Curtis, and Katy Pearce with one each. Most swimmers exceeded their entry times and posted personal best times.
Saturday, 13th December 2014 After winning the wooden spoon in the first two rounds on October and November Turbos finished 4th on December 13th at Hutton Moor, Weston-super-Mare to lift them up the table. The team won 10 out of the 50 heats and narrowly missed 3rd place in what was a terrific showing.
Tuesday, 8th July 2014 23 swimmers from North Dorset Turbos Swimming Club took part in the recent Dorset County ASA Development Meet at Littledown, Bournemouth. Ten swimmers: Stephen Appleby, Seren Banneel, Matthew Appleby, Alex Heron, Tom Delf. Ben Delf, Anna Ibbotson, Lily Burles, Hattie Curtis and Klara Jenkins won 22 medals between them for 1st to 3rd places. 103 heats were entered with over 85 resulting in personal best times for individuals and in the club being one of the most improved clubs over the weekend.
Sunday, 16th March 2014 Over 40 members took part in the 2014 County Championships at Littledown and Weymouth at the end of February/beginning of March, our best ever entry. Medals for first to third place were won by Tom Delf, Seren Banneel, Lucia Hannam, Klara Jenkins and Jami Schleuter (who also posted 2 Western counties, Qualifying Times). 33 ribbons for 4th to 8th place were won by: Tom Delf, Seren Banneel, Sam Louth, Callie Bloy,Klara Jenkins, Ben Delf, Sam Waker, Matthew Gassmann, Lucia Hannam, Jami Schleuter, Alfi Windsor, Ross Bowers, Cecelia Burney, Stephen Appleby, and Matthew Appleby. Everyone gained personal best times in most of their events. An excellent effort by all.
Thursday, 20th March 2014 Several members represented their schools in the North Dorset Schools Galas held at Lewiston and St. Mary's, Shaftesbury on two Fridays in March. 5 Turbos members won their heats and will go on to represent North Dorset in the County Schools Gala in June; they are: Daniel Roberts, Ethan Bloy, Lilly Burles, Alex Heron [2 events] and Leon Mowlem.
Sunday, 2nd March 2014 Congratulations go to Georgia Heckford on gaining her Judge Level 1 award at the Dorset County Championships. During the Autumn Georgia did the Young Volunteer's award part of which was the timekeepers qualification which she passed in December. 2013
Monday, 2nd December 2013 18 members took part in West Dorsets annual Christmas Meet in Dorchester on Sunday December 1st. An encouraging 15 medals were won 2 gold, eleven silver and 2 bronze.
Sunday, 3rd November 2013 10 Turbos swimmers took part in the 3 Towers Autumn meet at Millfield at half term. 4 of them, Jami Schlueter, Tom Delf, Ben Delf and Seren Banneel won 14 medals between them and most gained top 8 places. All achieved personal best times in most of their events.
Monday, 7th October 2013 5 swimmers took part in Southampton Swimming Clubs James Moreno Memorial Meet [Level 2] on Sunday 6th October. All performed well not least Jami Schlueter who won 10 medals - 9 gold and 1 silver.
Wednesday, 21st August 2013 North Dorset Turbos won first prize in the Wessex Pavillion at Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show on Wednesday 21st August. 
Sunday, 7th July 2013 38 swimmers took part in this year's County Development Meet at Littledown over the weekend of the 6th and 7th of July. This was a record number for our club. Competing in 136 events we came 8th out of the 12 clubs there, only 3 points behind the 6th placed club. Medals for top 3 places were won by: Tom Delf, Ben Delf, Alex Pearce, Seren Banneel, Matthew Berry, Matthew Appleby, Stephen Appleby, Sam Waker and George South.
Saturday, 9th March 2013 Turbos gained a 3rd place in the 'B' final in Dorchester on March 9th 2013. In the first round they finished 3rd and 5th in the second round so that a 3rd place in the 'B' final was a very good performance.
Saturday, 16th March 2013 25 swimmers, a record number for our club, took part in the 2013 Dorset County Championships at Littledown over two weekends at the end of February and at Dorchester for the 800m and 1500m events in March. There were 1 gold, 2 silver and 5 bronze medals and 26 ribbons awarded for 4th to 8th places. Tom and Ben Delf came 4th and 8th places in the Bagcat points competition while Seren Banneel came 5th in the 13 yr age group following a 3rd place in the 1500m. Sam Louth achieved regional qualifying times in the 50m freestyle and 50m butterfly. Over all Turbos came 6th= out of the 12 County clubs that took part this year, a very creditable achievement. 2012
Sunday, 2nd December 2012 21 members took part in the West Dorset Open Meet on December 2nd 2012 at the new Dorchester Pool. i was a most successful day; our swimmers won 10 gold medals, 3 silver and 4 bronze. a number of swimmers were competing in their first open meet
Sunday, 8th July 2012 19 swimmers took part in the County development Meet at Littledwon, Bournemouth at the start of July. All swimmers acheived personal best times and 18 medals were won by Seren Banneel [6 gold and 2 silver], Sam Waker [1 gold and 4 bronze], Megan Hill [1 gold and 2 bronze] and Charlotte Hill [2 bronze]
Sunday, 24th June 2012 Once again Turbos took part in the Southern Junior League and once again we were the smallest of the 24 clubs in the competition. After coming a distant 6th in the 1st round in April we acheived a very creditable 4th place in the second round in May and 5th place in June. Although ending up in 22nd place in the final table all the 12 year year olds and under gained a great deal of experience from taking part.
Saturday, 24th March 2012 6 teams of 6 took part in the Blackmoor Vale Lions' Club Annual Swimarathon at Clayesmoor School. The senior team broke the record for the number of laps with 109 [218 lengths] in the 55 minutes and between them the teams raised 1430 of which the club received half. At the presentation evening the club was presented with two trophies, for the best team and for the most lengths swum.
February 2012 13 Turbos swimmers took part in Dorset ASA's County Championships which was held over two weekends in February at the Littledown Centre, Bournemouth. Entering 38 events between them, swimmers achieved personal best times in 31 of them including several club records. Seren Banneel won Bronze in the 50m Breaststroke and there were 13 ribbons for 6 swimmers who were placed between 4th and 8th in other events.
January 2012 Land training is specifically for swimmers to enhance their muscular ability. It is a fantastic opportunity to build-up strength through many different activities, such as: weights, running, circuit training including sit ups, press ups, squats etc. Details:
For more information, please contact: Tracy Hill, Club Chairperson, on 01747 850128. 2011
December 2011 Despite negotiating for 2 years the club has not been able to reach agreement with the Trustees of RiversMeet Leisure Centre in Gillingham to enable us to train there. The negotiations have involved ASA County officials Di Gibbs and Ray Honeybun and Western Region official Alison Usher as well as a visit to our MP. As a result the grant of almost 10,000 from Sport England will be returned. This grant was to enable us to purchase starting blocks and lane ropes for the centre; in addition the club was willing to invest 3000 of its own money. Originally offering a rental of 90 per hour the Trustees eventually reduced this to 60 for one year only but even this was too much for our club as it would have involved us in large financial losses. The average pool rental for clubs of our size in Dorset is in the region of 50. From our side we had offered to hire the pool for 3.5 hours a week in off-peak times as well as running open meets and other fund raising events in aid of the centre.
July 2011 27 Members of North Dorset Turbos Swimming Club took part in Dorset County ASA's annual Development Meet over the weekend of 2nd and 3rd of July at Littledown. Everyone gained personal best times in most of their events and there were age group medals for the following:
Seren Banneel won a trophy for the most improved time over the weekend when he reduced his personnel best time in the 400m Freestyle by 1 minute and 20 seconds. A week later six girls were in the team representing North Dorset Schools in the County finals at Littledown, Bournemouth. Harriet Lucas was 2nd and 3rd in her events and Katy Pearce 4th, and Anna Ibbotson and Lucy Brocklehurst 6th in theirs.
May 2011 A small group of Turbos swimmers took part in Swim Bournemouth's open meet on the 29th May and came away with a good haul of medals. Harriet Lucas won 2 gold, 1 silver and 1 bronze, Stephen Appleby 1 gold and 2 silver, Matthew Appleby 2 silver and 1 bronze, Seren Banneel 4 gold and 2 silver and Matthew Berry 1 bronze. Daniel Hill, Anna Ibbotson, Georgina Cluett, Oliver Clements, Callum Fisher and Harriet Lucas swam in the Southern Area Primary Schools Relays Gala in Southampton on The 8th May 2011. Oliver, Callum and Harriet's School reached the final. Anna Ibbotson, Harriet Lucas, Lucy Brocklehurst and Katy Pearce will represent North Dorset Schools at the County Schools Gala at Littledown on the 9th July 2011.
March 2011 21 members took part this year. Medals were won by Seren Banneel and Connor Craft, and they, and Sam Louth, Suzanne Lewis and Anna Ibbotson won ribbons for top eight places. Swimmers also gained 29 personal best times. Congratulations to Charlotte Hill and Megan Hill who gained their Judge 1 awards during the two weekends.
March 2011
Final position in the league was 8th place out of the 12 teams taking part. This was a great improvement over 2010 when we took the wooden spoon. 2010
December 2010 North Dorset Turbos Swimming Club finished the year on a high note on Saturday (18/12/2010). Having taken the wooden spoon at their two previous National Arena League (Division 3) meets they came second in the final round at Kingswood Leisure Centre, Bristol behind Soundwell, but ahead of Clayesmore and Lydney. On the previous weekend 14 members took part in the West Dorset Warriors Christmas open meet at Bridport. 26 personal best times were achieved and 10 medals were won; in addition Sam Louth was the fastest swimmer of the day. Turbos train at St Mary's School, Shaftesbury on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and at Port Regis School on Fridays and Sundays.
Saturday, 3rd July 2010 The first weekend in July 2010 saw our members competing in the County Development meet at Littledown Leisure Centre in Bournemouth. The results were an impressive haul of medals, 11 in total:
Matthew Berry, Georgia Heckford, Francesca Hill, India Atlee and Lucia Hannam achieved personal best times. Sam Louth was also selected to swim in the skins and came fourth.
Saturday, 10th July 2010 On 10 July 2010, 15 members of the club took part in the Yeovil District Swimming Club Summer Spirits Competition at the Oxley Centre in Sherborne with six other local clubs. A great result yet again with many medals and personal best times achieved by the majority of swimmers. A points total put Turbos second at the end of the day for which we received an award.
Saturday, 22nd May 2010 On the 22nd/23rd May Connor Craft and Sam Louth took part in Millfield's Meet of Legends. Both did well recording personal best times, Connor in 50m backstroke and 100m Freestyle, and Sam in 50m Freestyle and 50m Butterfly.
Sunday, 16th May 2010 Congratulations to 3 Turbos swimmers who took part in the IAPS (Independant Association of Preparatory Schools) national swimming championships at Crawley. Tom Austen was 5th in the Butterfly, Susanne Lewis 8th in Breastroke and Celia Barkshire 12th in the Butterfly. Tom and Susanne attend Port Regis School and Celia, Sandroyd School.
May 2010 Congratulations to Connor Craft who has been selected to swim in the Dorset County Schools swimming team in September in the South West Inter-County Competition.
May 2010 A number of Turbos swimmers had success in two open meets at the end of May. At the Avalon meet at Millfield, Seren Banneel won Gold and Silver medals in the 100m Breaststroke and 100m Freestyle, Tom Austen won a Bronze in the 50m Butterfly while Ellie Harris had personal best times in all 3 events that she entered.
May 2010 At the Junior Annual Open Meet at Littledown Seren Banneel had more success winning gold in the 100m Breaststroke and Silver in the 50m Breaststroke while Matt Berry won Bronze in the 50m Backstroke. Three other swimmers, Charlotte Hill, Dan Hill and Francesca Hill all recorded personal best times.
February 2010
Twenty swimmers from North Dorset Turbos Swimming Club took part in the Dorset County Championships over the last two weekends in February and achieved the Club's best ever results. Medals were won by Seren Banneel (2 golds in the 100m and 200m breaststroke), Matthew Appleby (bronze in 50m breaststroke), Connor Craft (silver in 50m breaststroke and bronze in 100m breaststroke) and Sam Louth (bronze in 50m butterfly). Ellie Harris, Stephen Appleby, Matthew Curtis, Sam Louth, Connor Craft and Seren Banneel also won ribbons for gaining 4th to 8th place in other events. Connor Craft received a further medal for being the second fastest junior boy in the 50m breaststroke. Almost all of those taking part gained personal times in at least one event. Turbos train at St. Mary's School, Shaftesbury on Thursdays and Port Regis on Fridays and Sundays with additional sessions at Bath University.
February 2010
January 2010
2009
December 2009 Turbos took the wooden spoon in the League for the first time. The club were unable to swim their best team in any of the 3 rounds due either to illness or other commitments. However we take some satisfaction in scoring more gala points than some of the clubs above them. The Committee agree that despite being the smallest club in the league, we have come a long way since taking part for the first time three years ago.
December 2009 Three swimmers took part in Bournemouth Dolphins' Christmas Gala on December 22nd (two others were struck down by 'Flu). Seren Banneel won a bronze medal in the 200m breaststroke, Sam Louth gained silver and Bronze in the 50m Butterfly and Freestyle and Tom Austen achieve two excellent personal best times.
December 2009 We are all pleased to see that the building of the new leisure centre in Harding's Lane, Gillingham is proceeding well. The dry side is due to open in May and the pool in July.
August 2009 Turbos are holding 'Pre Club' Sessions from 1800 to 1900 on Wednesday evenings at Shaftesbury Community Pool until the pool closes for the winter at the end of October. These sessions are open to children from the age of 8 upwards who are able to swim lengths but don't feel confident enough to join the club yet, or who need to improve their strokes, starts and turns in preparation for club swimming.
August 2009 Congratulations to Gemma Appleby, Megan Hill and Shannen Heckford on gaining their ASA Young Volunteers awards and qualifying as timekeepers, and also to Sam Louth and Gemma Appleby who have passed the S.T.A. Swimming Teachers Certificate. All aspiring swimmers are invited to attend the Turbos pre-club group which meets on Wednesday evenings from 6-7pm at Shaftesbury Community Pool.
August 2009 Hopefully by the end of this year the North Dorset Turbos will be able to return to Gillingham. Since the closure of the Gillingham Pool the Turbos have led a rather nomadic life, having training sessions at various pools in the area with some extra weekend sessions at competition size pools in Bath and Exeter.
August 2009 The Turbos took part in the ASA County Development Meet at Littledown, Dorset which was for club swimmers to compete to improve their times. Swimmers taking part were: Francesca Hill, Megan Hill, Dan Hill, Stephen Appleby, Matthew Appleby, Luke Pope, Ben Pavey, Thomas Appleby, Matt Berry, Connor Craft, Sam Louth, India Atlee, Seren Banneel, Matt Curtis, Kayleigh Harris, Charlotte Hill, Sara Murrison, Phillipa Murrison and Georgia Heckford. Medals won:
32 personal best times were achieved making the Turbos one of the most improved clubs in Dorset.
Saturday, 16th May 2009 Following a turf cutting ceremony on May 16th, work has now started on the refurbishment of the old Gillingham Leisure Centre now renamed Rivers Meet. The project is due to be completed for April 2010 and Turbos can look forward to a 25m deck level pool built to competition standard. We are now raising money to buy starting blocks and lane ropes. Almost 450 was raised from the Swimarathon in March and we are holding a Car Boot sale in Marnhull on July 11th and a Quiz night at the end of November.
April 2009 In the first round at Bath in April the juniors scored 51 points. Great improvements came in the second round however, although a depleted team meant that we were unable to compete in 8 events. Turbos achieved a score of 89 points, which was an excellent result due to a great all-round effort with almost everyone gaining at least one personal best time.
April 2009 Congratulations to Amelia Maughan on her international debut. Amelia, who swims with Bournemouth Dolphins goes to Port Regis School and swims with us on Friday evenings and with Chris Gassmann on Tuesday mornings. She trained in Greece over the Easter holidays and took part in an International Open Meet in Thessalonica. At the recent National Swimming League Finals in Sheffield Amelia broke the record in the 13/U 100m freestyle. She currently holds two Dorset County Junior records.
March 2009 In March of this year the Turbos were presented with The Blackmore Vale Lions Club Shield for raising the most money and for the furthest distance swum (lengths: boys 210 / girls 206) during the Swimathon.
Saturday, 28th March 2009 There was success for our swimmers in the annual Blackmore Vale Lions Club Swimarathon on 28th March. The senior boys completed a record 105 laps, while the senior girls set a record of 103 laps. 2008
November 2008 Because of the closure of Gillingham Leisure Centre, and subsequent change of training venues, Turbos has changed its name to North Dorset Turbos Swimming Club.
July 2008 The past few months have seen mixed fortunes for North Dorset Turbos. Entering the Southern Junior League for the first time they took the wooden spoon. All was not doom and gloom however as a lot of younger swimmers took part in their first competitions and most gained personal best times over the three rounds. Over the weekend of 5/6 July, 18 swimmers aged from 10 to 15 took part in the Dorset County A.S.A.'s Development Meet at Littledown, Bournemouth. Between them they gained 15 medals:
The Club meets on Monday, Thursday and Friday evenings at Shaftesbury Community Pool, Port Regis School and St Mary's School Shaftesbury. New members are always welcome; for details ring Chris Gassmann on 01258 820202 or Nicki Payne at Blandford Leisure Centre on 01258 455566.
Saturday, 19th April 2008 On Saturday 19th April a team of 9, 10, 11 and 12 year old swimmers took part in the first round of the Southern Junior League for the first time. The meet was held at Horfield Leisure Centre, Bristol. Turbos were by far the smallest club out of the 6 taking part and although we came 6th, 15 personal best times were achieved in the 26 individual events in which we competed. All of the team learned a great deal from the experience and look forward to the next round on Saturday 17th May. From Monday 21st April training for junior members of the Club will be at Shaftesbury Swimming Pool in Bell Street. This is mainly due to pressure of numbers and also to enable coaches to give more time to individual swimmers.
Thursday, 17th April 2008 Congratulations to Fergus Dalwood on becoming Gillingham School's male Swimmer of the Year. Fergus was presented with his trophy at a Sports Awards Presentation Evening which was held at the School on Thursday 17th of April.
February 2008 These were held over 3 weekends in February and March. 23 Swimmers took part and we scored a best ever 62 points, which gives us something to build on in the future. Fergus Dalwood and Charlotte Hill entered all 3 long distance freestyle events [400m, 800m and 1500m], Fergus gaining a 1st and a 3rd place and Charlotte a 5th in the 1500m. Connor Craft gained three 3rd places in the 50m, 100m and 200m breaststroke and he, Fergus and Matt Curtis were in the top eight in all their events. All of those who took part achieved a personal best time in at least one event. The club hopes to have an even bigger representation in the County Development Meet in July. 2007
December 2007 Gillingham Swimming Pool is due to close on 31 Match 2008. From April 2008, Turbos will train at St. Mary's School, Shaftesbury and Port Regis School, Motcombe at the following times:
December 2007 Having won the Jurassic League for 3 years running, Turbos have been asked not to take part in that league in 2008. It has been a big step from this to Division 3 of the Speedo League. In the first 2 rounds at Riverside Leisure Centre, Exeter, the Club finished 6th out of 6, but most swimmers achieved personal best times at each gala. In the 3rd round at Cleveden in December, we came a convincing 3rd and so avoided the wooden spoon. More personal best times were achieved at a Christmas open meet at Bridport on 1st December and the club championships on 15th December 2007. In April, Turbos will compete in the Southern Junior League for the first time. Our aim is to improve the standard of our members' swimming through training and competition.
Saturday, 16th June 2007 North Dorset Turbos made it three wins out of three at the latest Jurassic League gala, held at Bridport last Saturday. They made a shaky start however and by the third event they were last of the 6 teams taking part. By event seven though Turbos were leading and stayed in front for the rest of the 49 events. Final scores were: League positions: The final gala will be at Bridport Leisure Centre on Saturday 14th July at 17:15.  
June 2007 Gillingham Schools' Swimmers of the Year were Turbos' Charlotte Stone and Conner Craft, both in year 7.
Saturday, 9th June 2007 Matthew Curtis came first in the 50m FS and second in the 25m butterfly at Dorset County for Schools Gala at Littledown Leisure Centre on Saturday 9 June 2007. Holly Fripp was fifth in the 50m backstroke and Yasmin Dalwood seventh in the 50m butterfly.
May 2007 North Dorset Turbos made it four-wins-out-of-four in the Jurassic League on Saturday 14th July at Bridport, so winning the League for the third successive year. Final League places are: Turbos are planning to enter the Western Division of the Speedo League for the first time in October, with the first round in Exeter. The club has come a long way since it started five years ago with then a dozen swimmers - it now has almost 70, training 3 times a week on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays at Gillingham Leisure Centre. A weekend earlier the 22 swimmers took part in the Dorset ASA Development Meet at Littledown. Everyone gained at least one personal best time and 7 won medals, five of them gold: Matt Curtis 2, Charley Stone, Matt Williamson and Daniel Till one each. The club will continue to train during the summer holidays at Gillingham Leisure Centre.
May 2007 North Dorset Turbos hosted the second round of the Jurassic League at Gillingham Leisure Centre. Although they were without several first choice team members, Turbos managed 17 first and 14 second places, with 19 swimmers gaining personal best times. When the final results were announced, Turbos had won with 218 points, 26 ahead of Illminster, who had 196; third was Heron with 185, fourth Blandford, fifth Bridport and sixth Wincanton. Turbos head the Jurassic League with 12 points, Ilminster, Bridport, Heron and Blandford all have seven and Wincanton two. The club would like to thank the parents and centre staff for their help in making the day run so smoothly. The next round is at Bridport on Saturday 16th June.
January 2007 Swimmers from Gillingham have managed to rack-up some more medals in the Swindon Open Meet. Charlie Stone and Gareth Ball managed to gain places in the Open Meet, with Charlie getting a gold, a silver and 2 bronzes, and with Gareth mangaging to collect 2 bronzes, which was a major achievment for the club. Congratulations to the 2 swimmers. So, we've won the Jurassic League twice, and we've done well in Swindon - the future looks bright 2006
May 2006 In March Turbos lost the first round of the Jurassic League by 22 points to Ilminster. Blandford Flyers were ½ a point behind in third place. On May 20th Turbos made amends by winning the second round in their own pool by a record 33 points over Ilminster with 188 points, with Blandford third on 176. Bridport were fourth on 170, Yeovilton fifth with 129 and Wincanton sixth with 126. Most of the Gillingham swimmers achieved personnel best times. Congratulations to 8 Turbos swimmers who won their event at the North Dorset Schools Gala on the 12th May and who will go on to the County Schools finals at Littledown Pool at the end of June. 2005
December 2005 During 2005 over 4000 has been raised in sponsorship and donations by the club. This will help us buy new starting blocks, lane ropes, small items of equipment and Log Books for all of our swimmers. Our donors include:
We would like to thank all of our donors for their help and encouragement.
Monday, 28th November 2005 The club gained a Highly Commended place in this year's North Dorset District Council's People and Places Awards.
Saturday, 16th July 2005 North Dorset Turbos came close to scoring a fourth straight win at Bridport but in the end had to settle for second place to Ilminster. The lead fluctuated from the start between these two and hosts Bridport Barracudas who came third. The final leading scores were Ilminster 179 and Gillingham 178. The result means that Gillingham win the Jurassic league with 19 points, Ilminster 15, Bridport Barracudas 13, Blandford Flyers 7 and Wincanton 5. This is a remarkable result for the club that was only started 3 years ago and now has over 60 members.    
Saturday, 18th June 2005 North Dorset Turbos won their latest Jurassic League meet on Saturday 18th June at Bridport Leisure Centre. It was their third win on the trot and their first ever away from home since the club was formed three years ago. This puts Gillingham four points ahead of their nearest rivals Bridport Barracudas with one gala to go, once again at Bridport, on July 16th. 
Saturday, 11th June 2005 Two Turbos swimmers, Zak Reed and Alex Shaw came second and third respectively in the Boys' 50m Breaststroke and 50m Backstroke events at the Dorset County Junior Schools Gala at Littledown Leisure Centre, Bournemouth on June 11th.
Friday, 20th May 2005 Turbos backstroke and Individual Medley swimmer Abbie Williamson was presented with Gillingham School's Maureen Bennett Trophy as their Swimmer of the Year. 
Saturday, 21st May 2005 North Dorset Turbos notched up their second successive Jurassic League win on Saturday against Bridport, Ilminster, Blandford and Wincanton Clubs. Competing without six first choice swimmers their task seemed to be more difficult this time especially as after six events they had had 3 disqualifications. However, some inspired swimming, which brought 17 personal best times, saw Turbos home by 11 points over Ilminster (second) and Bridport (third).   |
