We are pleased to announce Bernard Simkins as the winner of the Swim England West Midlands Outstanding Contribution Award 2024.
This nomination was made for the Harold Fern and Turner Award, which is a National Award, that the Region has chosen a winner for from the West Midlands, and will be given as the ‘Outstanding Contribution Award’.
“Bernard should be considered as a worthy winner of the Harold Fern Award having spent thirty years devoted to swimming; his commitment and loyalty have been resolute.”
A member of Stourbridge Swimming Club since 1995, Bernard joined the club committee of which he would become Chair. A life member, he organised 28 licensed open meets and qualified as a referee to support all aspects of swimming in the region.
Eighteen years ago, he became the county representative on the regional board. Bernard would go on to become the President of Worcester County, and then West Midlands Region.
In 2011 he was asked to represent the region on the ASA board. It was a journey of discovery, with lots to learn about the role of a governing body of such a huge and diverse sport. Bernard thrived in the role where his commercial and financial knowledge combined with his love of the sport and personal acumen made him an absolute asset; he has since stood on four national boards and will stand down at the end of his current term after thirteen years.
Bernard has held numerous directorships, represented Swim England at the Houses of Parliament, was the last chair of Swimming Times and sat on the Audit Risk and Probity committee for nine years.
Bernard has an outstanding record of selfless service which we believe deserves the recognition of this prestigious award.
National Boards 2011 – Present
Swim England 2018-present
Group 2013-2018
Sports 2013-2018
ASA 2011-2013
SE Trading 2019-present
Swimming Times 2015-2017 (chair)
National Committees 2014 – Present
ARP 2015 – present
Commercial 2018-2020 (chair)
National Swimming Management Group 2014-2018
Directorships
Present
Swim England (director at its inception)
Swim England Trading
Past
Swim England Events and Sponsorship
Community Swimming Ltd
Swimming Times Ltd
West Midland Region 2006 – present
President 2016-17
Worcester County representative 2006-2011
Board member 2011 – present (Governance Lead and Director)
Worcester County 2006-2024
President 2014-15
Management Board member
Officials’ Committee
Stourbridge Swimming Club 1997 – 2010
Fixtures Secretary, Honorary Secretary, Chair, Open Meet Secretary.
Stay tuned for our other Regional Award Winners, as well as a summary of all the winners and runners-up from 2024.
Award winners will be invited to the Swim England National Awards Ceremony in November, and their name will go forward for consideration to receive a National Award.
Thank you to everyone who completed a nomination, and congratulations to everyone who was nominated. We are so proud of our fantastic Aquatics community in the West Midlands.