Tricia Birch – Chair
I’ve had the privilege of serving as Chair of the Hoylake Committee since February 2021, stepping into the role during a delayed AGM due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I was following in the footsteps of our now President Robbie Ross, so had a tough act to follow!
It’s an honour to support the Club in this capacity, as it offers a unique perspective on the incredible dedication and behind-the-scenes work that keeps our swim club thriving.
Many of you may know me as a coach, turning up each week to guide and support our swimmers on their journey. But stepping into the Chair role has opened my eyes to the sheer scale of effort contributed by our wider volunteer team. From the coaches and committee members to the admin teams, Welfare Officer, and DBS Coordinator, Website coordinators and many more —there is a true army of volunteers working tirelessly to make Hoylake the special club it is.
We are incredibly fortunate to be part of such a committed and passionate community. I’m proud to play my part in helping it flourish.
Louise Ford – Secretary
I joined Hoylake ASC as a volunteer in 2016 when my son started his swimming journey after following the pathway from learn to swim into club & competitive swimming. I started out helping poolside at galas as a team manager and had no experience with swimming or volunteering. I have gone on to train as a British swimming official, beginning as a timekeeper in 2018 and recently qualifying as a Judge Level 2 – Starter.
Swim volunteering has opened a whole new chapter in my life, I have officiated at local, county, regional, national and international events. Officiating highlights include Aquatic GB British Champs for Olympic trials in London, Citi Para Swimming World Series in Aberdeen, Police Swimming gala in Liverpool, International LGBTQ+ Masters Aquatics Championships in London, and many others.
I joined the Hoylake committee in 2021 and became Club Secretary in 2022. I enjoy being involved in the day to day running of the club and being a part of the swimming community on the Wirral. I also organise our annual Club Championships and am part of the gala and comms teams for the club. I have carried on volunteering since my children stopped swimming and Hoylake ASC continues to be a big part of my life.
Since joining Hoylake I have made life-long friends and developed a passion for swimming, volunteering for a grassroots, family friendly club & officiating at all levels. I have been honoured to be awarded the Hoylake Logan Trophy 2021, Swim England North West Official of the Year 2023 & Cheshire County Volunteer of the Year 2023.
For anyone thinking of signing up to help out, I would say just do it, it might seem daunting at first but we are a friendly group and you soon be part of the swim family.
Pete Gallienne – Vice Chair
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Robbie Ross – President
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Caroline A – Vice President
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Steve Gee – Vice President/Committee
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Lesley Wakefield – Membership Secretary
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Barbara Myers – Vice President
I have been involved with the swimming world for well over twenty years most of that time spent with Hoylake ASC.
I started helping on poolside and then completed my Team Manager 1 & 2 qualifications. These led me to organising and taking two swim camps abroad, one to Italy and the other to Portugal.
I then started to timekeep at galas so I then progressed to completing Judge Levels 1 &2 and finally my starter qualification in 2017.
I think it was a mid-life crisis that occurred when I was talked into doing my Level 1 coaching qualification which I successfully completed and did some coaching for a while.
However it is the officiating that I prefer and enjoy.
I was very honoured to be asked last year to become one of Hoylake’s Vice-Presidents and have enjoyed the involvement both at club level and the committee meetings.
Hoylake ASC is a very friendly club and everyone is like a big family, it is a great pleasure to be involved.
Chris Armour – Treasurer
I joined Hoylake in 1988, and many many lengths of the Concourse later was still actively training and swimming in Arena League, 30 years’ later! In that time I competed in the pool, open water, Masters, triathlon, and water polo. I served as Boys Club Captain for two consecutive years 2000-2002, and was made a Life Member of the Club in 2008. Whilst not seen regularly poolside these days, I joined the Committee in 2009 as Treasurer, and continue to support the Club as required through that role.
Like many involved with HASC, I have countless fond memories of the Club, and I met several of my closest friends poolside at Hoylake, decades ago! I live in Chester and I’m married to Holly, who also previously swam for HASC and whom I met whilst we both swam at Wirral Metro. We have two boys, Alex and Will, who both enjoy their swimming, amongst other sports!
Kimberly Gallienne – Assistant Treasurer
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Rachel Beech – DBS
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Amy Thompson – Welfare
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Tim Ryan – Swim Mark Coordinator
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Angie Taylor – Committee Member
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