With the theme of the 1970s, this year's Gala was spot on for the 'older' Coaches!

But what a run-up to the performance we had. First with a month to go, Amy landed badly from a trio pitch and came back from hospital with her foot in plaster! The week after that, Kayleigh, another trio top, was trying her first flics after recovering from a torn ligament in her wrist and she lands awkwardly and comes back from hospital with a broken arm!

So now two of the four front line trios were out.

Then Sara (choreographer-in-chief) tears a shoulder muscle (and that puts the third trio in doubt).

Following on from that there were four other injuries (all school-related) which threw an even bigger spanner in the works every time the phone ran!

But we soldiered on, changing it week on week until we were certain that nobody knew what they were supposed to be doing (and that included us!)

But, come the day, our fantastic gymnasts proved to us that they really did know what they were doing after all and produced a smooth and professional display that was possibly the best routine of the day (even if I am a bit biased!)

As usual, we received loads of favourable comments, not just from parents, but also from knowledgeable officials and senior gymnasts of SAGC. So once again you gymnasts have done us proud. WELL DONE!

And to top it all, Sammi wins Gymnast of the Year - an award that was really deserved. As I've said before, we expect all of our gymnasts to perform above and beyond the norm anyway, so we have only nominated someone for this trophy on seven occasions in the 16 years we have been running, and we've won it on five of them!!).

As usual, we did video-record 'selected highlights' from both performances onto Digital Video (which includes a selection of several Centres and nearly all of the Acro Squad routines) and it runs for about an hour, so if you would like a copy, speak to Linda, or email us, and for just a few pounds we will produce them for you. (this is only available to current members of our Club).

to read the Echo article.

for the pictures.

WOW, WOW, WOW!!!

Did you see Gala? Wasn't it wonderful? It just shows what a tremendous amount of gymnastic talent there is in Southampton! As usual, we received loads of favourable comments, not just from parents, but also from knowledgeable officials and senior gymnasts of SAGC. So once again you gymnasts have done us proud. WELL DONE!

And with Sara winning Gymnast of the Year as well, that rounded off a long, long day perfectly. (We expect all of our gymnasts to perform above and beyond the norm anyway, so we have only nominated someone for this trophy on six occasions in the 13 years we have been running, and we've won it on four of them!!).

We did video-record 'selected highlights' from both performances onto Digital Video (which includes a selection of several Centres and nearly all of the Acro Squad routines plus the Acromaniacs) and it runs for over an hour, so if you would like a copy, speak to Linda, or email us, and for just a few pounds we will produce them for you. (Sorry, but this is only available to current members of our Club).

Some schools start back on Tuesday January 4th 2005, but not all do, so therefore, we will not start training until the following week - Tuesday 11th January for Seniors and Wednesday 12th for Juniors, when, unfortunately, fees will be due again.

Final date for entries to be in for the Prelims competition in March is Tuesday 1st February.

Sara - Gymnast of the Year