The annual Retford Swimathon will be back next year, with schools and organisations across Bassetlaw taking part in the much-loved charity fundraising event.
The 37th running of the swimathon will take place on Saturday 6th March 2027 at Retford Leisure Centre, and so that everyone who participates can have a memento of the day, a team of Bassetlaw District Councillors have donated £900 of their Councillor Community Grant to provide medals and trophies.
Mary Saddington, President of the Rotary Club of Retford who organise the event said: "We are incredibly grateful to the councillors who have supported this year's Swimathon.
"Now in its 37th year, the Swimathon has become a real community tradition in Retford, bringing together local organisations, volunteers, swimmers and supporters for a day of teamwork and fundraising.
“Events like this simply wouldn't be possible without the backing of our local councillors and the wider community. Every year, the Swimathon raises valuable funds for local charities and good causes, helping us make a positive difference across the area, and we are delighted that this support will help us continue that work in 2027."
Cllr Malachi Carroll, Mayor of Retford and Ward Member for East Retford West spoke on behalf of the councillors who contributed and said: “The Swimathon has been a fantastic part of Retford community life for nearly four decades, bringing people of all ages together for a positive cause.
“It's always inspiring to see the dedication of the organisers, volunteers and participants who give their time and energy year after year. We are pleased to support this event through the Councillor Grant scheme, helping to ensure the Swimathon can continue raising funds for local charities and making a real difference to people across Retford and the wider area.”
The Councillors who contributed towards the Swimathon are: Cllr Malachi Carroll and Cllr Harriet Digby, Ward Members for East Retford West; Cllr Susan Shaw and Cllr Dan Henderson, Ward Members for East Retford East; Cllr David Challinor, Cllr Jonathan Slater and Cllr Graham Oxby, Ward Members for East Retford North and Cllr David Naylor and Cllr Carolyn Troop, Ward Members for East Retford South.
The Rotary Club of Retford was formed in 1937 and has established itself as one of the most active and highly subscribed clubs in the UK.
Currently the club has over 60 members, ranging in age from 30 upwards but there are no minimum age requirements for a membership. To find out more information about the club, how to donate and sign up for membership, visit: https://rotaryclubofretford.co.uk
Organisers welcome enquiries from any organisation interested in taking part or offering support. For more information, to register interest, or to discuss partnership opportunities, please contact the team at retfordswimathon@gmail.com.
Each Bassetlaw District Councillor is allocated a small annual budget and has the discretion to award grants to support community activities within their ward. Councillor grants may support projects related to sport, culture and heritage, environmental sustainability, social welfare and general community benefit.
Pictured: Cllr Malachi Carroll, Mayor of Retford and Ward Member for East Retford West; Cllr David Naylor, Ward Member for East Retford South, Mary Saddington, President of Rotary Club of Retford and Members, Staff of Retford Leisure Centre
Last Updated on Friday, November 13, 2026