We’re thrilled at BWPL to announce the award of Life Memberships to retiring President Pippa Jones and her predecessor Gordon Dacre.

Pippa (Photo: Trevor Hyde) will be standing down on 10 May after an extended seven-year stint. In every sense, she has been a hands-on President from day one. Quite apart from her work to support the League’s administration, Pippa holds the unique honour of playing in BWPL while in office – for English Roses!

Gordon was President for three years prior to Pippa’s appointment, which recognised his long connection with, originally, the former men’s national league, followed of course by his continuing inspirational leadership of the City of Liverpool Club.

BWPL chairman David Andrews said: “This is richly deserved recognition for Pippa and Gordon, who have both made tremendous contributions to the League, either behind-the-scenes or on poolside.”
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Pippa will be handing over the Presidential chain to her successor, Trevor Pledger, as soon the League returns to full action.
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Pools may be shut and the coronavirus lockdown still firmly in place, but we continue to work hard behind the scenes at BWPL to prepare for next season – whenever it gets under way. Currently, we’re taking an optimistic view and hoping that the scheduled start of 19/20 September can still apply, but watch this space for up-to-date news!

In immediate prospect is the annual general meeting – inevitably, an online affair this time, as clubs will know as a result of information which has been circulated to all in the last few days.

The League have stuck to the original 10 May date for the AGM as the notional date for this year’s meeting, so, on that day, we will announce winners of all the annual awards via both this website and the regular League newsletter.

Prior to that, clubs will receive comprehensive officer reports. Then, between 10 and 17 May, there is to be a consultation process when club reps can raise issues as would normally happen at a more traditional annual meeting. All questions – and responses from the Committee – will be published to clubs in due course.
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Meanwhile, if you’re wondering right now how to fill your days, how about taking part in the BWPL’s virtual table officials’ course? For any player or supporter, it’s a great way of viewing water polo from a very different perspective. Details of how you can get involved will be announced via the League newsletter and website very soon.
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Former ASA President Mike Glover, one of the most influential figures in British water polo for more than 30 years, died yesterday at his Manchester home following a long illness.

His many achievements included the successful role of tournament director at the European Championships in Sheffield in 1993; a stint as GB women’s coach; plus, of course, being the driving force behind the creation of the City of Manchester water polo set-up.

Mike’s coaching career began when, as a teacher at Plant Hill School, Manchester, his team won the national schools’ under-16 title. He then began coaching at Bolton School, where a succession of national schools’ titles followed. His ties to the school remained for the rest of his life – his ASA President’s Jacket is still proudly displayed there.

As a player, Mike was a rugged, left-handed forward who spearheaded the Plant Hill team that took part in the former men’s National League in the 1970s and early 1980s. He was a Life Member of the British League.
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