Chippenham Amateur Swimming Club (CASC) is celebrating being named a finalist in two categories at the 2026 Swim England South West Awards, as it approaches its 150th anniversary in 2027.
The club is in the running for Regional Club of the Year, while Race Squad Coach Richard Brown has also been shortlisted for Regional Coach of the Year, recognising both the club’s commitment to its swimmers and the dedication of its coaching team.
The double nomination follows CASC being named Wiltshire Club of the Year for 2024/25 and comes at a time of significant growth, with membership increasing by 50% over the past 15 months.
Founded in 1877, CASC is one of the oldest swimming clubs in England and has been part of the Chippenham community for generations. Today, it continues to welcome swimmers of all ages and abilities, from those taking their first strokes in its Learn to Swim programme through to competitive squads and Masters swimming.
At the heart of the club is an inclusive, swimmer-centred approach, helping every swimmer achieve their personal best while creating a friendly, supportive environment and a strong sense of community.
Craig Holden, Club Chair at Chippenham Amateur Swimming Club, said:
“We’re incredibly proud to be named a finalist for Club of the Year, particularly as we approach such a significant milestone in our history.
“For almost 150 years, our club has been helping generations of swimmers develop their skills, build confidence and achieve their potential. While we’re proud of our history, it’s the people who make the club what it is today – our dedicated coaches, volunteers, swimmers and families. These nominations are a fantastic reflection of their collective commitment and the supportive, ambitious environment we’ve worked hard to create.
“We’re also delighted that Richard has been recognised for his contribution to the club. Alongside our Head Coach Matt Cruse and the wider coaching team, he has helped create a positive training environment where swimmers are encouraged to challenge themselves, support one another and, importantly, enjoy their swimming.”
The club has also introduced a range of initiatives to encourage more people to get involved in swimming and support its growing membership. These include mini-galas with neighbouring clubs, giving younger swimmers a fun introduction to competitive swimming, financial support for families and opportunities for junior swimmers to get involved in coaching and volunteering.
Richard is now in his second year as Lead Coach of CASC’s Race Squad and has overseen a period of impressive development. Over the past 15 months, the squad has tripled its capacity, while swimmers have achieved some of the club’s best-ever results at county, regional, national and league competitions.
The winners of the Swim England South West Awards will be announced at a ceremony in Taunton, Somerset, on Sunday 29 November 2026, celebrating the achievements of clubs, volunteers and individuals who make a difference to aquatics across the region.
To find out more about Chippenham Amateur Swimming Club, visit www.chippenhamasc.org.uk.
