Barry Beavers: Our Story
From 1981 when the club formed, it started to provide swimming sessions at Barry Leisure Centre for the disabled community in Barry. In those days membership was low, but it was the start of a journey that still continues to this day. Membership today stands at over 100.
The formula is very simple, Barry Beavers helps disabled people of all ages and disabilities.
The club uses the Halliwick Concept in providing qualified instruction to all its members in swimming therapy techniques.
The philosophy of Halliwick is simply ‘Water Happiness and Water Safety.’
As a charity, the club is run by volunteers - Patricia Finch is a founding member who is still volunteering today! Pat is the club secretary and gala coach too. Many volunteers have joined the club over the years, some staying, some have moved on, but all have helped make the club what it has become today.
There must have been well over a thousand people who have benefited from belonging to the Beavers over the years. New members still join the club regularly.
The club has come a long way over the years, it is governed by a dedicated board of trustees, and volunteers who give great commitment and support to the club.
Barry Beavers is a place where people of all ages can come to learn swimming therapy in a safe and happy environment. You can make new friends, benefit from the many activities the club provides. There is a very strong social calendar. Annual summer trips, annual Party in the Park, Christmas Party, and other events also.
The best way to find out more is to come along on a Saturday afternoon to Barry Leisure Centre to see for yourself, and meet with our members who will be very pleased to see you.
Praise for Barry Beavers
“Barry Beavers stands as an example of the good work that can be done within our community to promote inclusion as well as physical and mental wellbeing, something that has been achieved through the non-stop efforts of its volunteers and members. Everyone involved in Barry Beavers has worked hard to sustain the group through thick and thin and have ensured that the club and its members remain an important part of our community. I am pleased to be able to work with the club and show my ongoing support, and look forward to the many achievements I am sure wait ahead!”
“Barry Beavers Disabled Swimming Club has been offering a fantastic service to people of all ages with any disability since 1981. I have had the privilege of supporting the Club over the years and it is clear to see the positive impact that the club has had on its members”
“I can’t remember life without Barry Beavers, it’s been part of my life all of my life. I used to sit in my car seat on poolside and watch everyone have fun. You should come sometime and join in.”
“I like Barry Beavers because they teach you how to swim. We have different groups and do different things like swim under water to pick things up and sitting on the bottom of the pool and blowing bubbles. We play games too like rapids and my favourite is when the group leader drops things in the water and you have to see how many you can pick up. I am really looking forward to swimming in the gala. It will be my first one.”
“My son has been part of Barry Beavers since May 2016. Since then his confidence has grown and he is now swimming unaided. He will take part in his first gala next week.”
“I like Barry Beavers because it is rewardingto be helping people with disabilities learn how to swim. Also it’s great to make new friends and learn new life skills whilst having lots of fun!”
“Hi my name is Leah and I like swimming. Before I came to Barry Beavers I couldn’t swim, but now I’m in the gala, my first gala, I have also got my yellow badge.”
“I like swimming as it’s fun. It’s like a big bath with my friends.”
“I like going swimming at Barry Beavers because it’s fun and I want to be able to swim like Mummy and Daddy one day”