Two young Angus swimmers received “emotional” awards dedicated to tragic teenagers at the weekend.
Forfar Amateur Swimming Club hosted its last gala at the town’s Victorian swimming pool before moving to the Community Campus in February next year.
The club held a presentation to celebrate its best and brightest, with two awards dedicated to the memory of Forfar girls Jan Wilson and Laura Forbes.
Jan, known affectionately as Jockey Jan, and her friend Jamie Kyne were still in their teens when they died in an arson attack in North Yorkshire in 2009.
The 19-year-old’s parents, Drew and Margaret, attended the presentation of their award at the Reid Hall, joined by the parents of Laura Forbes, Donald and Audrey.
Laura succumbed to cancer a week after her 16th birthday in 2013, and a series of “fun days” have celebrated her life at Murton Farm each year since.
Laura was an outgoing girl who took part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.
She also coached with Forfar Falcons, receiving the Jan Wilson Memorial Award in 2010.
This year’s recipient of the Jan Wilson Special Achievement Award for commitment to the club and sport was Becky Wilmshurst and Karri Milne was presented with the Laura Forbes Trophy for team work and overall effort.
Scotland and Team GB water polo player Matthew Crighton won the Centennial Shield for best overall swimmer, and Megan Wilson received the Sangster Trophy for early progress in the teaching programme.
Club president Lesley Cromar said: “As the club enters its 130th year we are all looking forward to heading up to the new Community Campus in February.
“We had a fantastic turn out of over 60 swimmers competing from the club at the final gala in the 25-yard Forfar Pond.
“We have approximately 170 members at the club, with over 20 committed coaching staff and poolside helpers, plus a full voluntary committee.”
The club capped off a good season for its first team which came fourth in the Midlands District Premier League, and the Second Division swimmers came fourth equal in their respective league.
Mrs Cromar added: “I would like to take the opportunity to thank the two team managers, Iain Skea and Gary Nisbet, and all the coaches and poolside helpers for all their commitment to the club and swimmers.
“They all give up their time to do this voluntarily and it is all very much appreciated.”
