Kingston upon Hull Swimming Club was sad to say goodbye to long serving volunteer coach Jackie Denton last week. After almost 30 years on poolside, Jackie decided to officially retire from coaching at Kingston.

Having originally competed as a swimmer for Hull Olympic, Jackie turned to coaching, starting out with the youngest swimmers, the 'Tadpole' group. Jackie has also assisted with the Learn to Swim Programme together with coaches Ken Parker and Lynne Devaney. When Jackie and Lynne first started out in their coaching careers, some well known characters in swimming such as Bert Thompson, Albert Norman and Robin Darley were also coaching at the Club. At that time the main Club night was on a Friday at Albert Avenue Baths when the Club fees were only a pound a week!

Jackie has not only taught many of the Clubs current star performers but has also taught many of the parents of these swimmers. Well known Hull swimmers that have passed through the Tadpoles and Learn to Swim Programmes include international stars such as Ros Brett and Claire Windeatt.

Although Jackie has now 'officially' retired she has kindly agreed to help out with the Learn to Swim Programme when she is able. Kingston upon Hull Swimming Club is sad to see “coach Jackie” retire and wish her well for the future.

Jackie pictured with tadpole coaches Ken Parker and Lynne Devaney was presented with a gold necklace a bottle of wine and a bouquet of flower in recognition of her efforts at the club.