Clubs at West Wickham Leisure Centre

Bromley Swimming Club, originally known as ‘Bromley Town Swimming Club’, was established in 1898 and was based at Downham Baths. Back then, backstroke was taught by using both arms together in a rowing type of movement! Finances were so tight then the committee had to loan the silver cups for money to pay for pool time and then get them back in time for presentation.

Eventually, the club settled at West Wickham which became its permanent home. The club utilised pools at Crystal Palace and Trinity School and gradually a more organised structure emerged.

John Carrington brought the club from near closure to a firmer financial footing and began to change the club into one for all ability swimmers. The swimmers attended galas for the various age groups and abilities so that all members could get a competitive swim.

He also introduced honorary membership for those swimmers who had been with the club for a long period of time and were leaving for work or University but who wanted to retain their links with the club.

Bromley Canoe Club have been paddling since the early ’70s. It is an extremely well-established club, affiliated to the British Canoe Union, currently having around 100 active members. We meet every Monday night from 8.00 pm till 10 pm at West Wickham Swimming pool (except Bank Holidays) for training sessions.

The main emphasis of the club is enjoyment and leisure but SAFETY AND RESPONSIBILITY are also very high on our philosophy, both on and off the water. The club currently has over 15 Instructors (canoe and kayak). As the club has its own Instructors, once on poolside, all you have to do is ask for help or tuition. Training is very important in the club and it is taken very seriously along with safety.

We welcome new members (there is no need to join straight away). You will be asked to swim 50 metres and be shown how to exit a capsized kayak safely. British Canoe Union star tests are also taught and examined by our own and other club Instructors. These can lead you to becoming an Instructor yourself in the future. Training is done both in the pool and on specially organized training days at various venues.

More serious trips are organised from September to May to allow for White Water Training. Places visited in the last 12 months include The River Dart, River Exe, Teesdale the Treweryn and the Lyn. We have also visited both the Lee Valley and Nene Whitewater centers recently. Day trips often include Cuckmere Haven, near Eastbourne, the Medway, the Wey Navigation and the Thames.