4SHIRES
SWIMMING CLUB
Competitive Swimming in Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire
Affiliated to Swim England
Our Committee
Swimmer Development - Rachel Pearson
My eldest daughter, Kirsty, first joined Four Shires in 2011 with both Michael and Zoe joining later. I initially became involved by managing the club kit prior to joining the committee in 2014 as Membership Secretary, and then becoming Chair in 2016. I can often be found poolside at galas supporting our swimmers as Team Manager and when not involved with 4SSC in one way or another, enjoy spending time with family and friends, baking and walks in the countryside. Prior to having the children, I worked in Human Resources and am now a Teaching Assistant.
Treasurer - Chris Lawrence
I took on the role of Gala Secretary in Spring 2015, and as of June 2018 took on the role of Treasurer. I’ve been bringing my daughter Ellie along to sessions since early 2013. As she has progressed, my wife Catherine and I have spent more and more time at galas and training, so the next logical step was to get involved, et voila. Now my other daughter Imogen is following in the swimming footsteps.
I've also trained as an ASA Official (nearly passed my J1) & am a Team Manager (2).
I work as an IT Business Consultant working with retailers, having spent some 30 years previously in retail. I also enjoy watching F1 & Rugby Union, when time permits.
Click to email Chris
Gala Secretary - Keri Barnard
Hello! I have 2 children, Joe and Annabel, who have been swimming for the club since 2015. Initially, I became involved as a Team Manager assisting at galas and have recently taken on the role of Gala Secretary. I work part time as a Baby and Pre-school Swimming instructor for Puddle Ducks Oxfordshire. In my spare time, I enjoy baking, watching rugby (particularly when my team thrashes my husband's) and walking my chocolate lab called Zazu.
Click to email Keri
Club Secretary - Cerina Hawtin
Hi – I am mum to Leah. Leah joined 4SSC in 2014 after competing in her school swimming gala and getting the bug for competitive swimming and now swims five sessions a week with the club. I work full time as an Account Manager and am married to Kenny, who is the one that is normally sat poolside during Leah’s training sessions and who kindly volunteered me for the committee. Thank you Kenny! Previous to this, I was Secretary on Leah’s primary school committee for the last 6 years helping to organise various fundraising events. We have an English Springer Spaniel called Archie so I like to enjoy nice long walks at the weekends to try and wear him out!
Click to email Cerina
Officials Coordinator - Nigel Smith
Marketing & PR - Philippa Upton
Hi, I have been involved with 4SSC since 2011 when my daughter Eloise was asked to join the club. Since then we have been to many places for galas have built up friendships along the way. I have also trained as a J1 official so can be seen poolside in my "whites". I have only recently joined the committee and as yet am still getting to grips with the role.
When I am not poolside, I work as a SEN TA and walk our mad Springer Boomer, and help maintain Warwickshire footpaths, oh and socialise on the nights I'm allowed off!!!
Click to email Philippa
Friends & Fundraising - Zoe Wakefield
Hi I am Zoe. My oldest daughter Lauren, was spotted in her year 6 primary school partnership gala four years ago by the 4SSC. Lauren is still swimming with the club along with my youngest daughter Jess, who has been swimming with the club for two years. Over the years the girls have taken part in competitive swimming and team relays.
I was kindly nominated to help put together a ‘friends’ of the 4SSC. There is a small group of us that help organise events to fundraise and promote the club. We also assist with the club champs, Easter, Summer and Christmas parties. Along with organising social events for the everyone to come together.
The club is a friendly and supportive community and we as a family enjoy being part of the 4SSC.
Click to email Zoe and the friends.
Chair - Simon Wratten
I have been involved with Four Shires since January 2017 with both my daughters swimming at the club, Isabella in the County Squad and Leanna in Pre-comp which I hope will give me a broad scope across the whole club. I have trained as a team manager which makes gala days go a lot quicker and with up to 8 hours a week now spent sitting at poolside I decided that I could use that time to better effect in assisting the club in the role of Chair.
In my professional role I work as a Business improvement manager in the food industry and have also been a Justice of the Peace for over 12 years. I am in my last year of 8 as a Parent Governor at Bloxham primary school, 4 of which as chair of the finance committee as well as also serving for 2 years on the committee of Bloxham Bowls club. All of these roles, I hope, will assist me in my new position as 4SSC Chairperson
Click to email Simon
