ABOUT TASC
The TASC family is run entirely by volunteers and we are always welcome of extra support. If you are interested in getting involved, just have a chat with one of the team. Funding is always available to cover any training required.
COACHING TEAM
Our amazing team of volunteer coaches is here to make swimming fun, inclusive, and rewarding for everyone—from beginners to seasoned competitors. They bring energy, support, and a big dose of encouragement to every session.
HEAD COACH
Andy Unstead
Andy has been the Head Coach with TASC since 2018 following a number of years as deputy Head Coach prior to this. During this time has been responsible for the continued development of the senior squad.
Andy also looks after some of the junior development squad sessions in order to give these swimmers consistency of training principles before they transition up to senior squad.
COACH
Hope Unstead
Hope has been coaching for years and delivers her session to our development swimmers on a Monday evening.
She still swims with the club and is a regional level competitor.
Hope is TASC through and through and is a former club captain.
She has a great relationship with all of the swimmers and is a role model to many of them.
COACH
Dawn Kearney
Dawn has been teaching North Devon's children to swim for generations, literally infact as Dawn's son and granddaughter both swim at the club.
COACH
Sara Nicholls
Sara is one of our newer coaches and works alongside Dawn looking after our young Sunday swimmers.
As a swim teacher and coach, Sara has the skillset to get the very best out of our new swimmers who are joining a swim club for the first time.
COACH
Charlotte Simpson
Charlotte is an experienced teacher and coach and works with our younger swimmers.
She quickly builds a fun and friendly relationship with our swimmers helping them to feel at ease during sessions.
Her lessons are both fun and engaging.
COACH
Chris Simpson
Chris has been around swimming for many years having worked in leisure previously.
He has recently passed his level 1 coaching assistant qualification and assists with cover as when it is required.
Chris' daughter Bella swims in the senior squad and so Chris can be seen on poolside for many hours even if not coaching.
COACH
Nat Lucas
Nat works with our junior development squad who train on a Sunday evening in Northam.
These swimmers are put through their paces by Nat as she prepares them for the next transition up to our senior squad.
COACH
Lucy Glover
Lucy is a newly qualified coach and she is also the club chairperson.
She takes our junior development swimmers on a Sunday evening.
Lucy has been around swimming for many years and her daughter Molly is a successful county medalist.
COACH
Channon Wilton
Channon is another one of our coaches who has been a lifelong member of the club, and still swims with the senior squad to this day.
As a 12 year old, Channon was a Devon finalist in many events.
She uses her extensive swimming experience to help develop our younger swimmers on Monday evenings.
Channon is also a level 2 teacher giving her all the tools to deliver fantastic sessions.
COACH
Sue Tyrell
Sue has been teaching the children of Torrington to swim for many years, she teaches the junior TASC swimmers on Wednesdays.
CLUB CAPTAINS
Our captains lead by example, demonstrating dedication and excellence in the pool while motivating others to reach their potential. They foster team spirit, support every swimmer, and act as a vital link between coaches and members to ensure a positive, inclusive environment.
JARED DOIGE
Jared is a well‑rounded swimmer who not only competes strongly in the lanes for the club, but also hones his skills through Water Polo.
ARCHIE LEE
Archie’s stroke is the envy of swimmers across the club, and his warm, encouraging nature makes him a natural at passing those skills on to others.
ISABELLA SIMPSON
Isabella is not only a fast and friendly swimmer, but also a talented actor, dazzling crowds both in the pool and on the stage.
LUCY THOMAS
Lucy specialises in the longer distance swims, her renowned determination led her to county success in the gruelling 800m event.
COMMITTEE
Working in the background keeping TASC moving forward. You can usually find one or more of us poolside at training sessions, please feel free to approach us with any questions about the club.
You can also reach committee members using the email addresses listed below.
Chairperson
Lucy Glover
The Chairperson leads the club’s committee, guiding meetings, setting agendas, and ensuring effective governance. They provide strategic direction, support committee members in their roles, and act as a key point of contact for members and external organisations. The Chairperson helps ensure the club operates smoothly and in the best interests of all its members.
Club Secretary
Lisa Unstead
The Club Secretary supports the effective administration and governance of the club. They manage official correspondence, organise meetings, prepare agendas and minutes, and help ensure decisions and actions are properly recorded and followed up. The role plays a key part in keeping the committee organised and the club running smoothly.
Treasurer
Jules Gillece
The Treasurer is responsible for managing the club’s finances and ensuring sound financial oversight. They maintain accurate financial records, oversee income and expenditure, issue and process invoices and check that payments are received and recorded correctly. The Treasurer also prepares budgets and financial reports and supports the committee in making informed financial decisions, helping ensure the club remains financially sustainable.
Head Coach
Andy Unstead
The Head Coach leads the club’s training programme, developing swimmers’ skills, fitness and technique across all levels. They plan and deliver sessions, support assistant coaches, and monitor progress to help swimmers achieve their potential. The Head Coach also ensures training is safe, structured and aligned with the club’s goals.
ASA Welfare Officer
Pamela Griffiths
The Welfare Officer is responsible for promoting a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all members of the club. They act as a first point of contact for welfare concerns, ensuring that safeguarding policies are understood and followed, and that issues are handled sensitively and appropriately. The Welfare Officer works closely with coaches, volunteers, parents, and the committee to help ensure the wellbeing of swimmers remains at the heart of the club’s activities.
Grants Secretary
Sarah Thomas
The Grants Secretary is responsible for identifying, applying for, and managing grant funding opportunities that support the club’s development and sustainability. They work with the committee to gather information, prepare applications, and ensure any awarded funds are used and reported on in line with grant requirements. The role helps secure vital resources to enhance facilities, equipment, and opportunities for club members.
Competitions Secretary
Adrian Farmer
The Competitions Secretary coordinates the club’s participation in galas and competitions. They manage entries, communicate details to swimmers and parents, and liaise with event organisers to ensure requirements are met. The role helps ensure competitions run smoothly and that swimmers are supported to take part and represent the club effectively.
Independent Examiner
Edward Johns
The Independent Examiner reviews the club’s financial records and accounts to ensure they are accurate and comply with legal and regulatory requirements. They provide an impartial assessment, offering assurance to members and the committee that financial practices are transparent and well managed.
Membership Secretary
Maxine Webber
The Membership Secretary is responsible for managing club membership records and supporting the joining and renewal process. They act as a point of contact for membership enquiries, help ensure information is kept up to date, and work with the committee to maintain accurate records and clear communication with members. The role helps ensure a welcoming and well-organised experience for everyone in the club.
Press Secretary/Media
Adrian Farmer & Andy Unstead
The Press Secretary manages the club’s public communications and media presence. They promote the club’s activities, achievements, and events through appropriate channels, help maintain a positive public profile, and act as a point of contact for media enquiries. The role supports community engagement and helps raise awareness of the club and its successes.
Webmaster
Matt McDonald
Please contact our website committee member if you have any queries or suggestions about the TASC website.
Trials Coordinator
Paige Unstead
Our trials co-ordinator is often the first point of contact for prospective club swimmers.
They will help to arrange an initial trial so that a swimmer can be grouped with children of a similar ability.
Committee Member
Charlotte Simpson
By contributing their time, skills and experience, comittee members help shape the directions of the club, address challenges as they arise and plan for the club's future development.
Their commitment ensures that swimmers of all ages and abilities can enjoy the sport, develop their skills and represent the club with pride.
Committee Member
Rebecca Meese
By contributing their time, skills and experience, comittee members help shape the directions of the club, address challenges as they arise and plan for the club's future development.
Their commitment ensures that swimmers of all ages and abilities can enjoy the sport, develop their skills and represent the club with pride.
Committee Member
Laura Farmer
By contributing their time, skills and experience, comittee members help shape the directions of the club, address challenges as they arise and plan for the club's future development.
Their commitment ensures that swimmers of all ages and abilities can enjoy the sport, develop their skills and represent the club with pride.
Committee Member
Ben Prouse
By contributing their time, skills and experience, comittee members help shape the directions of the club, address challenges as they arise and plan for the club's future development.
Their commitment ensures that swimmers of all ages and abilities can enjoy the sport, develop their skills and represent the club with pride.
OFFICIALS
Swim meets wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of our volunteer officials. These individuals generously give their time at meets to help create a fair and positive racing environment for every swimmer.
Officials serve in a variety of roles—such as timekeepers, judges, starters, and referees—all working together to ensure that each race follows the rules and that every athlete competes on an equal playing field. Their presence helps maintain consistency, accuracy, and fairness, allowing swimmers to focus on what they do best: racing hard and having fun.
TASC will ensure that any volunteers will get the requisite checks and training to carry out these Swim England ratified roles.
Timekeeper - This the introductory role in the world of the swimming official, suitable for ages 14+
J1 Judge - J1 judges inspect swimmers turns and relay starts, ages 16+
J2 Judge - These judges are also able to inspect a swimmers stroke as they swim the length of the pool and help ensure fair starts
J2 Judge & Starter - These judges control the entire start procedure, ensuring racing is safe and fair
Referee - The Referee has full responsibility for ensuring the meet is conducted properly and safely. They oversee all activities essential to running the competition.
History of Torridgeside Amateur Swimming Club
Torridgeside Amateur Swimming Club traces its roots back to April 1966, when Bideford Swimming Club was re-established after a lapse of almost ten years. The revival was led by Mr Jim Needs, Mr Cyril Webber, and a dedicated group of interested parents.
The earliest available records date from 1969, when club membership stood at 131 juniors (aged 14 and under) and 20 senior swimmers (ages not recorded). Training initially took place at the patio pool in Westward Ho! with winter sessions held at the small indoor pool at Lenwood Country Club.
In 1976, following much discussion, the committee decided to relocate training to Torrington. Some members feared this move would result in swimmers being lost to North Devon Dolphins, who also trained there. In practice, the opposite occurred: the club began attracting swimmers from the Torrington area, leading to significant growth. As a result, at the 1977 Annual General Meeting, the decision was taken to change the club’s name, and Torridgeside Amateur Swimming Club was born.
A new club logo was commissioned, incorporating heraldic elements from the coats of arms of Torrington. This design was created by Jim Paterson of Bideford Art College and remains the club’s logo to this day.
The club’s first Chief Coach was Jonny Andrews, an ASA tutor who played a pivotal role in the club’s development. He actively encouraged parents to gain ASA qualifications as teachers, coaches, timekeepers, judges, and referees, laying strong foundations for the club’s volunteer base. Jonny stepped down from his coaching role at the 1979 AGM, passing responsibilities to Bob Miles.
The North Devon Mini League was founded in 1978 by Barnstaple, Ilfracombe, and Torridgeside, and later expanded to include teams such as North Devon, Exeter, Okehampton, and Tiverton.
Head Coaches:
Jonny Andrews (1976–1979)
Bob Miles (1979–1985)
Larry Hill (1985–2005)
Clifford Brown (2005–2008)
Laura Bennett (2008–2013)
Suzanne Tyrrell (2013–2018)
Andy Unstead (Present Head Coach)
Although the club did not win the Mini League until 1994, this marked the beginning of a dominant period, with Torridgeside going on to control the league for the following ten years.
In 1998, the club joined the Speedo League in the Third Division and achieved rapid success, rising to the First Division by 2001.
By 2019, Torridgeside Amateur Swimming Club had grown to approximately 150 members of all ages and abilities. With strong membership numbers and a continued commitment to development, the club looks forward with confidence to a successful future.
Information provided by Larry Hill, former Head Coach
Gender | Distance / m | Stroke | Age | Time | Event | Swimmer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Male | 25 | Freestyle | 5 | 35.94 | TASC Development Gala 2012 | Ruben Stacey |
JOIN TASC
To get in touch and book a trial, just click the link below and fill our our online form.
