Penrith Swimming Club Celebrates Hall of Fame Inductions at Diddy League Event

Penrith Swimming Club is proud to announce that three more individuals associated with the club have been inducted into the prestigious Cumbria Swimming Hall of Fame, in a ceremony held during the recent Diddy League round at Penrith Leisure Centre.

The new inductees, Ian Powley, Colin Hill, and Chloe Wilcox - were honoured for their exceptional lifelong contributions to aquatic sport, joining fellow Penrith Swimming Club figures Rosie Huggon and the late Jenny Birtle, who were inducted earlier this year.

Pictured above: Colin Hill, Ian Richardson (Cumbria ASA President), Chloe Wilcox, Rosie Huggon and Ian Powley

Honouring a Lifelong Legacy

Ian Powley, a stalwart of Penrith Swimming Club, has dedicated over six decades to the development of swimming in Penrith and across Cumbria. 

Beginning his journey at the Frenchfield Pool on the River Eamont aged 14, Ian has since become an institution in the club, serving in numerous leadership roles including chairman, referee, gala organiser, county and regional representative, and currently as club president. Still coaching voluntarily three nights a week at the age of 84, Ian's commitment has influenced generations of young swimmers.

A former President of Cumbria ASA (2005–2006), Ian’s contributions have been recognised through numerous awards, including the Swim England North West Long Service Award and the Cumbria Sports Award for Service to Sport. He remains a pillar of the local swimming community, presenting trophies at the club’s annual awards and giving his name to the Ian Powley Cup.

Championing Open Water

Colin Hill began his swimming journey at a young age but has since become an internationally recognised figure in open water swimming. 

A coach, competitor, and event organiser, Colin was Technical Operations Manager for the London 2012 Olympic Marathon Swim and went on to found SwimSecure and Chillswim, the company behind iconic events such as the Big Chill Swim and Coniston End to End. He also directs Ullswater Swim Place, promoting open water swimming year-round.

Colin is a decorated ice swimmer, the first UK male to complete an IISA Ice Mile and a multiple international medallist. He trains regularly with Penrith Swimming Club’s Masters squad. His remarkable achievements have earned him a place in both the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame and the Ice Swimming Hall of Fame.

Olympian and Trailblazer

Chloe Wilcox, who began her competitive journey with Penrith Swimming Club, went on to captain Great Britain’s first ever Olympic Women’s Water Polo team at the London 2012 Games, scoring seven goals across six matches.

Her early water polo experience was developed through local clubs then Sheffield clubs, before joining the Grantham Water Polo Academy. She has played professionally in Spain and Australia and has also coached GB women’s teams. Chloe now works as Director of Aquatics at a school in Australia, continuing her contribution to aquatic sport.

Recognising Previous Inductees

Earlier this year, Rosie Huggon and the late Jenny Birtle were also inducted into the Cumbria Swimming Hall of Fame for their lifelong service and achievements. Rosie has been a dedicated member of the club since the age of four, serving as swimmer, coach, teacher, team manager, and membership secretary over nearly 60 years. Her recent fundraising for Brain Tumour Research in memory of Susan Hebson has raised over £15,000.   

Jenny Birtle, inducted posthumously, represented Penrith Swimming Club and QEGS at national level and went on to teach thousands to swim across Eden’s pools. A coach well into her 80s, Jenny helped raise funds to establish the Frenchfield Teaching Pool and co-founded Birtle’s Sports in 1973. Her work with the Royal Lifesaving Society earned her national honours, and her family’s contribution to the club spans five generations.

Ian Richardson, President of Cumbria ASA, commented: “The Cumbria Swimming Hall of Fame was established to recognise individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to aquatics in the county. It is an honour to induct such dedicated and inspiring individuals from Penrith into our Hall of Fame, joining the ranks of others who have shaped the landscape of aquatics in Cumbria.”   

John Conery, Chair of Cumbria ASA, added: “Each of these individuals has left a lasting legacy not only in Cumbria but far beyond. Their stories showcase the strength of community, the power of volunteering, and the heights that can be reached with passion and commitment.”   

Luke Brown, Committee Member of Penrith Swimming Club, said: “It is inspiring that people from our town of Penrith have gone on to achieve amazing things in the world of aquatics. These stories show our young swimmers that with dedication and hard work, greatness is within reach, right here from Penrith.”