A day for firsts..............

Marshland-Dad

Again another busy day with no time to do other things. Not that I know what other things we would do if we had the time!

Saturday we were up for dance lessons and then collections and pancakes (pancakes a day early I hear you say...well, we needed them!). Trying to get Libby to rest and prepare for her big debut in the swimming club gala was the next job on the agenda. However, anyone who knows Libby, knows well that this was a pointless task as she just will not rest.

Just before tea time, we all made our way down to the swimming pool not knowing what to expect. We arrived 30 minutes early to ensure that we were ready only, to discover that there were 40 to 50 swimmers already there. This was a bigger event than we expected. We thought that it would be a couple of clubs competing in a friendly gala, but there were 5 swimming clubs with 24 swimmers in each club. So, desperately looking for one of the more experience members of our club, we sought guidance as to what we needed to do. Libby was taken away to get changed and we waited in line to discover that we had to pay to enter and we got a sheet detailing all the 44 events (yes - 44 events) and a raffle ticket. The Marshland tribe including Marshland Grandma and Grandad along with Great Great Great uncle Alec (84yrs) then made our way to pool side to take our seats and watch Libby.

Before I had even placed my bottom into my seat, Geoff, Libby's swimming coach who Libby worships, looked joyful as he saw me. Quickly coming over he informed me that he had a job for me. He then passed me a microphone and told me I was the commentator for the evening. Not one afraid of any challenges or large crowds, I replied "You're having a laugh aren't you?" I didn't even know what events Libby was swimming in, never mind commentating on the event!

I quickly volunteered anyone around me, all of whom sat there obviously thinking 'Glad that's not me'. Geoff then returned my entrance fee and told me to follow him. I did offer to pay double the entrance fee for not commentating, but my request having been refused I suddenly found myself sitting poolside with a microphone and 120+ swimmers and 200+ spectators. Oh the joys...

Geoff kindly did the safety briefing and passed the stage to me. I announced the first event in a monotone voice that would be more appropriate in a railway station announcing the arrival of the 7.38 train from York arriving at platform 3. However, after 7 events and no mistakes I remembered the reason I was there. Libby was in her first event. At this point I can say I knew exactly how nervous she was feeling. Up against older swimmers she played her part as one of four swimmers in the 4x25m freestyle. In total Libby swam in 7 events and managed 23.8sec in the 25m freestyle and got her self 4th place.

Mid way through the program I was so relaxed that I should have been laid back with me feet on the table. I was soon brought back to reality though when I introduce one even as the 25m Breaststroke when it was the backstroke. Apart from everyone at poolside and the worried swimmers in the pool I don't think anyone noticed :o - That'll teach me for relaxing!

Us Marshlanders were back home finally for 9pm. The girls got straight into into bed so that, once again, we could all get up for swimming again at 7am.