Young Angus swimmers have fondly remembered two tragic pals in a poignant end of season awards ceremony.
The Reid Hall Forfar Falcons event celebrated the achievements of members at club level and beyond, culminating in the emotional handover of a brace of memorial prizes honouring much-missed former members.
There was particular poignancy surrounding the inaugural presentation of the Laura Forbes memorial trophy by the family of the popular town teenager, who sadly lost her battle with cancer earlier this year.
Forfar Academy pupil Laura and her younger brother Daniel both enjoyed the sport with the club and the Forbes family presented the award, to be given annually to a swimmer whose overall enthusiasm and commitment is worthy of recognition.
Laura’s parents Audrey and Donald saw the prize go to Lucy Richardson, who was given the accolade for her club involvement, which includes poolside helping and encouraging the Falcons’ younger members as well as competitive swimming.
Mr and Mrs Forbes then looked on proudly as Daniel was named the 2013 winner of the Jockey Jan Wilson memorial trophy, established following the tragic loss of promising apprentice rider and former swim club member Jan, from Greenhead, Rescobie in a Yorkshire flats fire in September 2009.
Daniel has returned to swimming at the club’s regular training sessions and his determined performances in the recent Falcons gala helped him to the Jockey Jan award, which his sister also won in 2010.
Club president Andy Reid said the club had been greatly saddened by the loss of two popular members in such tragic circumstances within just a few years but it was gratifying their memory will live on through the annual awards.
The presentation dance also saw club swimmer of the year Ellie McCallum given the honour of making a special handover of engraved glassware to head coach Derek Nisbet in recognition of his dedication to Forfar Amateur Swimming Club over a quarter of a century.
In addition to his coaching commitment, Derek has held many official roles within the club, including that of president.