December Volunteer of the Month

Joan has been volunteering for our club for over 40 years. This year her dedication and commitment have been inspirational as she continues to gently and efficiently steer the club as our secretary, at the same time as fighting a serious illness.

Joan's genuine passion for the club has always shone through whether it is through collating information for Swim 21, encouraging coaches to take courses, organising social evenings, keeping score at waterpolo matches, attending meetings, liasing with parents and more.The club is truly grateful for all that Joan does, she really is the linchpin that holds the club together.

Joan Squire has been a volunteer for the Barnstaple Swimming Club for over thirty five years and the majority of them in the capacity of Honorary Secretary. The Club is very active and has a membership of approximately 225 members.

She is at the forefront of carrying out all policy making decisions of the Committee. She is also secretary of the Water Polo section and acts as recorder on the poolside at every home match during the season. Her Water Polo involvement has been recognized in the past by her County. On the main Club evening she is first at the table every week to welcome new members, to answer queries and to assist the Treasurer of the Club with the membership payments.

This year is the Club's 85th Anniversary. Joan has organized an outing for Club members at a local attraction and an evening event for coaches, teachers, gala officials and helpers. Two Club Championships, July 2016 and July 2017 have taken place during Joan's illnesses but she has managed still to help on the poolside between treatments,together with arranging the Prize Awards evenings.

Joan has rarely been absent at the monthly Committee meetings,weekly Club evenings and Club events. She has performed over and beyond her normal duties of an Honorary Secretary with no complaints and with humour. Her stoic dedication and inspiration to the Club has long been recognized and appreciated by members and colleagues.