Mansfield Swimming Club Celebrates £4,000 Donation from Persimmon Homes
Mansfield Swimming Club is celebrating a significant boost after receiving a generous £4,000 donation from national housebuilder Persimmon Homes. The funds are set to revitalise the club's operations by replacing essential electronic timing systems and touchpads used for races and competitions.
Official Presentation at Water Meadows Leisure Complex
Local MP Steve Yemm joined representatives from Persimmon to present the cheque to club officials Sheila O’Keefe and Maureen Shaw at the Water Meadows Leisure Complex. This donation comes at a crucial time, as the club faced financial challenges in funding the replacement of outdated equipment.
Without this vital support, the club would have been unable to host key events such as the annual Major Oak Open Meet, which attracts swimmers from across the wider region every November. The club, run entirely by volunteers, offers coaching sessions for all age groups five days a week at the complex, led by a dedicated team of coaches.
Voices from the Club and Supporters
Sheila O'Keefe, Treasurer of Mansfield Swimming Club, expressed her gratitude, stating: "We faced a challenging year last year financing the replacements to the timing system. This amazing amount of money means we are back on an even keel and can keep training costs to a fair amount. A huge thank you to Persimmon Homes; this donation has made all the hard work of fundraising worth the time and effort."
Steve Yemm, MP for Mansfield, added: "It was a pleasure to return to Mansfield Swimming Club for the handing over of this cheque. I know what a difference this donation will make to the club."
Robbie Steele of Persimmon Homes Nottingham highlighted the club's impact, saying: "It was great to meet Maureen and Sheila who give up their time to help provide local people with the opportunities to swim as part of a club. Mansfield has a decorated reputation for swimming, and so we’re delighted to be able to support Mansfield Swimming Club in this way."
Persimmon’s Community Champions Initiative
This donation is part of Persimmon’s Community Champions initiative, which is open to all local charities, sports clubs, and community groups seeking funding. Winners are announced every quarter, with donations ranging from £1,000 to £6,000. Applications can be submitted via the Community Champions website, providing ongoing opportunities for community support across the region.
The investment not only secures the club's ability to host competitive events but also reinforces its role in promoting swimming and community engagement in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire.
