Rotary Club of Westminster East

The Club

Originally established in 1983, by Rotarian Barry Meekins when he was a member of the Rotary Club of Westminster East. The Pimlico Puffins Swimming Club helps people with disabilities to learn to swim, or to improve their swimming.  The club meets at the Queen Mother Sports Centre on Vauxhall Bridge Road near Victoria Station every Monday night at 7.45pm (except Bank Holidays).  Swimming is from 8pm to 9pm followed by drinks until 9.30pm.  The pool is closed to the public during that time so the club can have exclusive use without being disturbed.

The Gala

The Pimlico Puffins annual gala is a very special event for the Club’s swimmers, volunteers and fundraisers alike.  Swimmers from Puffins compete against four other London based swimming clubs in a variety of events including solo races, a diving competition and relay events.

Races are weighted so that everyone has an equal chance of winning despite the difference in disabilities.  It can be quite a competitive event with everyone wanting to take home a medal or trophy, so our swimmers train for months before.

Natasha Fuchs from Pimlico Puffins says “at the Gala we catch up with friends we have not seen in a while well earned refreshments are served.  There is an award ceremony where the Mayor of Westminster congratulates people on all their hard efforts.   would truly recommend anyone come to the Pimlico Puffins annual gala to watch some great swimming, and meet some of the people your hard earned money helps each year”.