A tribute to Gordon

Isle of Wight Marlins Swimming Club paid tribute to Gordon Osborne MBE.

Isle of Wight Marlins Swimming Club paid tribute to Gordon Osborne for his service to the club with several past club members travelling from the mainland for the occasion.

Gordon has been a mainstay of the club since its inception, having served on the committee for most of the Club’s existence, including long periods as Chairman and Treasurer. Much of his work has been done out of sight, but without it the club could not have operated for many years. Gordon has also had a longer association with the annual Sandown to Shanklin swim than anyone else, and when Marlins took it over, Gordon became the organiser. As well as swimming the Solent more times than anyone else, he has also piloted many other swimmers to that great achievement. Many swimmers, and others, owe their lives to Gordon directly or indirectly, as he was one of the founders of Ryde Inshore Rescue, and their Secretary for many decades.

Earlier this year Gordon had to step back from all these activities due to ill health, but the club felt the time was right to recognise this long and faithful service to the Island’s swimmers.

Photo: Gordon Osborne (centre) was presented with a engraved glass tankard as a thank you for his long service to the club.