Rushmoor's Margaret Woolley receives Mary Black Award for 2017

Rushmoor Synchronised Swimming Club‘s Margaret Woolley was presented with the Mary Black Award for 2017.

The Mary Black Award is given annually to a person who has provided outstanding service to synchronised swimming.

This year, the Swim England Synchro Leadership Team were unanimous in their decision to award this prestigious trophy to Margaret.

First involved with synchro through daughter Louise

Margaret first became involved in synchro when her daughter Louise joined Bexley Synchro Club.  After many successful years at Bexley, Louise made the decision to move to Rushmoor in 2000.

Continuing her support on poolside as well as being chief chauffeur on the much longer journey to training, Margaret became involved in coaching, in particular figures, focusing on the minute detail and dedication that is essential to that discipline.

She has spent years since coaching week after week and quietly encouraging the development of all the swimmers including many who have gone on to represent Great Britain.

National judge and costume-maker – the ultimate volunteer

In addition to coaching, she is also a national judge.

For many years she has been the main judging representative for Rushmoor at regional and national competitions.

In many cases the club would not have been able to take part in competitions if Margaret had not been there to judge, and she has spent countless hours travelling the country for skills tests and competitions.

In addition, in a sport where costumes are of vital importance, Margaret has spent some 12 years making the competition costumes for Rushmoor by hand.

She started knowing little about making such things – she drew around one of Louise’s team costumes to get her first pattern!  But Margaret is now an absolute expert at making sparkling costumes for all age groups (usually 12 at a time for an age group team).

She has at all times given her time free of charge to the club and is the ultimate volunteer.