SWIMMERS are being urged to share their photographs and memories with a club that has been like a family to its members for 100 years.

Northwich Amateur Swimming Club celebrates its centenary on September 22 and hopes to produce a commemorative booklet documenting its history.

It is appealing to the Northwich community to come forward with any stories and pictures related to the club to include in the booklet.

Brian Dooley, vice chairman, said: "We have some archive material but I'm sure there must be loads of photos and stories out there."

The club, which has more than 170 members, produced a similar booklet for its 75th anniversary in 1990, which details the history of swimming in the town.

It explains that Northwich was presented with its first indoor swimming pool in 1887 by Sir John Verdin.

This consisted of a plunge pool measuring 20 yards long by seven yards wide with a depth varying from 6ft to 3ft 6in.

In 1888 the Verdin Swimming Club was formed, which became a founder member of the Northern Counties Amateur Swimming Association in 1889.

The problem with the Verdin pool was that, at 20 yards long, it meant national, county and district qualifying championships of 50 and 150 yards had to be held in the River Weaver.

The pool was also plagued by subsidence and the club was disbanded in 1911 when the baths were closed and demolished.

New baths at Victoria Road were opened with a gala on August 28, 1915.

A meeting was then held at the council house on September 22 to form the Northwich Swimming Club, which held its first championship gala on October 27.

Barnton mum Julie Hamman, neé Yarwood, joined Northwich ASC, where her uncle Frank Yarwood was head coach, in 1976, when she was six.

She swam competitively until she was 24, also qualifying as a swimming teacher.

She went back to the club in 2006 when her children started swimming and soon started teaching again.

"I didn't want to go back teaching and sat on the sidelines but then thought I may as well help," she said.

"I think I'm there for the rest of my life now."

Julie, 45, said the club has moved with the times but still maintained the qualities that made it special.

"The club has such a family feel," she said.

"Their arms are wrapped around it and it's unique really.

"Even though we're growing it's still got that small family feel, it's just lovely and that hasn't changed."

Julie said there was a great sense of pride and excitement about the centenary.

"I'm really excited and so pleased that my children are going to be part of it," she said.

Anyone who has photographs and memories to share from 100 years of Northwich ASC should ring the Guardian on 01606 813624 or email gina.bebbington@nqnw.co.uk.