The Oxford Otters Swimming Club was formed in 1966 by two physiotherapists. They approached Westminster College in Oxford to ask if the club could use their pool, and college staff members Alan Asquith and Leo Daltrey became involved. The subs were set at £1 per year – however, this was 44 years ago!

The secretary of the Oxford Sub Aqua Club recruited fellow members, including Dave Brown, as lifeguards. Dave and his wife Betty are still the backbone of the Otters today.

They then enlisted St John Ambulance teams to attend on a rota system, and members Jill Saint, Ken and Glenys Hudson, and Ray and Eileen Booker joined the Otters. Jill, Ken and Glenys are still with the Otters today.

In 1982, the Otters purchased specially-designed steps and a hoist to give easier access into the pool. By then, Len and Sandra Oatham had also joined as lifeguards. In 1993, a sponsored swim was organised, and by 1994, the club had 100 members. In 1999, Westminster College became Brookes University, and the Otters now pay for lifeguards supplied by Brookes pool staff.

They also have ten volunteers – “But we urgently need more help from younger people,” said Sue Harvey, who has recently stepped down as chairman of the Otters. “We had some very special people give so much of themselves in the early days, who are now retired, and some sadly deceased.”

Club secretary Jill Saint, a volunteer for 25 years, added: “I started helping the Otters as a St John Ambulance member, and later several of us joined as helpers.

“It’s a really good atmosphere; the members are friendly and undemanding, and you always feel your help is appreciated. There is usually a chance for helpers to swim if they wish too.”

Sue and Byron Harvey are both disabled and confined to wheelchairs, but swim regularly.

Byron, who is a relative newcomer, finds the Otters to be a very sociable group which gives total seclusion, as they have sole use of the warm pool. This gives them a chance to get out of their wheelchairs and exercise with complete safety. Oxford Otters meet every other Sunday at the Harcourt Hill campus from 9-11.30 am, and as well as swimming, there is the opportunity for a chat over a cup of tea or coffee and biscuits.

Membership is just £25 per year. They would like to thank all those people who have kept the group going over the years, with special thanks to Brookes University and their staff for the opportunity to swim on a regular basis.

Jill added: “People of all ages are welcome, and the club is looking for new volunteers to help the Otters carry on swimming.” For more information contact Jill Saint on 01869 350535 or e-mail: jsaint41@hotmail.com You can also find information online at getoxfordshireactive.org or communigate.co.uk/oxford