Minutes

The Cumbria Life Vice Presidents Trophy was established in 2001 in memory of Bill Griffin of Egremont SC and Copeland ASC. It was awarded to Cumbria ASA Members who had made outstanding contributions to the sport of swimming in Cumbria. The award having lain dormant for nearly 20 years has been dusted down and in January 2025 the Executive Committee was agreed to bring back into service to recognise the services of all our volunteers in the sport, our unsung heroes, and will continue to every year now going forward.

In June 2025 the Trophy was awarded posthumously to Sarah Glencross as an unsung hero. Her husband Neil and her family were present at the Sands Centre to accept the award on behalf of Sarah.

Going forward, the Cumbria Life Vice Presidents Trophy has been renamed The Sarah Glencross Volunteer of the Year Award ensuring Sarah's contribution will never be forgotten.

Sarah was swimming’s Poolside and Balcony Hero, an amazing lady who always would go that extra mile and more. We sadly lost Sarah after a courageous battle with cancer in March this year.

Sarah's swimming story began when her daughters joined Carlisle Aquatics. She became “Wing-lady” to the Chair at the time Stuart Cogan. They had the task of re invigorating the club after a difficult period. Sarah had the grand title of Logistics Coordinator; from a very early stage it became apparent it was all probably a bit of a cover and she had a dual role; Sarah was the chair as well. Regardless they very much succeeded in turning round the
club.
In 2023 Sarah played a large part in the celebration of 100 years of Cumbria ASA - a two day swimming, synchro, and waterpolo extravaganza at the Sands Centre, Carlisle. Sarah (Logistics Coordinator) along with Mark Ralph (Technical Event Manager), Ian Richardson and a small team of volunteers ensured the event was planned to within an inch of its life to ensure it ran like clockwork. Sarah arranged a Ceilidh and celebration cake for the Saturday evening’s entertainment. “The 100” was a resounding success. Swimmers and parents from all our Cumbrian clubs still talk fondly about the pleasure and joy they got from those two days.

Sarah was a very good technical official quickly rising from timekeeper through the ranks to starter. However, she had a reputation and an eagle eye for a wonky leg kick, dodgy turn or a false start, nothing got past Sarah. When challenged the explanation of the infractions were always concise and stood scrutiny by the referee. Sarah had commenced her Referee training before she became ill.

Moving to Workington SC in 2023 Sarah and husband Neil along with the family quickly became embedded in life at the club helping to make several changes including the restructuring of the club championships but more importantly the establishment of the first Workington team to compete in the Arena Swim League in 20024, this was a resounding success.

Sarah left us a fabulous legacy with so many memories for so many people which will live on. Sarah had the ability to make us all feel welcome, paired with great organisational and interpersonal skills with a can-do attitude always going above and beyond. She would never say or accepted NO for an answer! All was all topped off with a wicked sense of humour.

Sarah brought such positivity to the world of swimming in Cumbria and beyond putting smiles on so many faces, for which we are forever grateful. Our balconies and poolside will never be the same.