The Coaches

*This page will be updated in due course

We are privileged to have a talented, enthusiastic and dedicated group of coaches who all give their precious time voluntarily.

Guy Fawkes

Alister Wrigley

I swam for BASC as a child between the ages of 10 to 15 years, competing at a high level.

I then returned to swimming at BASC with the Masters squad in 1999 reaching National level.

After a couple of years I started to help Lorraine in the small pool and went on to complete my Level 1 & 2 Swimming teacher’s qualifications which lead me into becoming a part time swimming teacher for the Forum.

I continued to learn more about stroke development and coaching techniques and then completed a course on coaching 2yr to 12yr old swimming development which aided my coaching across the whole of the club, from beginners to top squad coaching.


Karen Cook

My swimming journey started when my kids took up swimming in 2008. At that point BASC were training in the campus school whilst the Forum was being refurbed.
There was a spare lane so a few parents asked if we could get in the week after, I then started swimming with the masters (competing) for a few years.
I also started to help on poolside. This led me into taking my level 1 & 2 teachers qualifications and then my level 1 & 2 coaching qualifications.

My son stoped swimming in 2018 but I love teaching/coaching and seeing the kids develop throughout the lanes so I’m still here.

I am part of the committee and get involved in fundraising too.

In my full time job, I sell composite decking to Landscapers and builders merchants covering half of the country and Scotland 🤦🏼‍♀️

You will probably hear me shouting streamline before you see me!!!!


Jo Fixter


Melissa Sowerby

Level 1 and 2 ASA swimming qualification, a Diploma in teaching babies to swim, 7 years baby swim teacher.

Previously I was a competative swimmer for Billingham ASC, this has carved my role today to be what it is. After welcoming my children I decided on a new work as a baby to toddler swimming instructor. I did so for 7 years until Covid time, which I then luckily took on a role in a primary school as a Teaching Assistant.

I enjoy volunteering on poolside and being an active member of Billingham ASC on the committee.

My favourite chocolate bar is a Mars and a Cadburys cream egg.


Raechel Hogg


Lorraine Riddle

I have been a member of BASC since around 1990, competing at numerous galas – too many to count! I am still a member of the masters today!

In 2019 I started open water swimming and completed a 10k swim at Lake Windermere, for some reason I like the cold water!!

In 2001 I became a level 1 teacher, and then level 2 in 2008.

I joined the commitee in 2001, and then in 2024 took on the treasurer role.

I never thought I would still be swimming some 30+ years after joining, but couldnt imagine not teaching or swimming.

Interesting fact (or not so interesting for some) i’m a spreadsheet geek!!


Shirley Fawkes


Emily


In 1999 my two daughters started swimming at BASC. Little did I know it would change my life!

Since 2000, I’ve volunteered inane roles such as committee member, fundraiser and membership secretary.

In 2003 I started helping on poolside and gained my Level 1 Teachers. In 2006 I joined the Masters and swam for nine years, joining my swim friends at galas and biathlons the club attended.

In 2008 I completed the Timekeepers course before doing the level 1 Official course.

2011 saw me become secretary for eight years and for six of them also Swim Mark facilitator . I have made many friends along the way and friends for life who still get together to go walking on the Moors which is one of my loves along with holidays. I still love being on poolside especially when seeing children accomplish new skills or achieve something they found difficult.