Supporters Club

Throughout the year the Supporters Club try to arrange evenings such as Race and Quiz nights for the parents of swimmers and, for the golfers in the club, the MASC Golf Open. We also try to arrange activities for the children and young people such as discos and outings.
Should you wish to help with these events, please make yourself known to the Supporters Club Committee members

We have recently set up an e-mail address for the supporters club. If you would like to volunteer your services in any galas or events, have any fundraising ideas or would simply like to know more about what we do, you are welcome to e-mail us on masc-supporters@hotmail.com .

Please note - this hotmail address is for the supporters club only. We cannot  answer questions on training or other club issues.

Fundraising and the Bingo Lottery

The supporters club continually try to raise money throughout the year to help support the club swimmers and also fund social events for the swimmers such as the recent bowling night. On the swimming side, buses are subsidised to Junior League fixtures while financial assistance is given to swimmers representing the club at , for example, training camps (local and national) or major competitions. 

Beside raffles & tombolas in various guises and the swimshop, one of the main fund-raisers is the bingo lottery managed by Angie Downing (Stephen Loughran's mum). More players are needed to boost both the prize money and the supporters funds.  

To join, you need to give 9 numbers to Angie and pay £1 per week.  Numbers are matched off against the 6 main Lotto balls drawn in Wednesday's National Lottery until after several weeks one player's numbers are fully matched and the prize is paid out. The sequence of the draw balls is important. For example two players are just waiting for one number each to be drawn although not the same number. If both come out in the same Lotto draw, the first one out decides the winnner. 

Prizes paid out in the past have exceeded £300 when several weeks have passed before all 9 numbers from one player have appeared in the Wednesday Lotto.

Past Events

MASC Golf Open 2008 - Wednesday 1st October @ Eaglescliffe Golf Club

An entry of 15 contested the 7th Golf Open on a beautiful, if windy, day. The event kicked off with a 10 hole Texas Scramble won by the team of Ian Forrest (Eston), Rob Crowther (Co Newcastle) and Paul Hogg (Co Sunderland), one shot ahead of the teams captained by our own Mark Stephenson and Graeme Smith.

A quick lunch preceded the 18 hole stableford Open and it was not decided until the last threesome came in to capture all the prizes. Winner with a 41 points score was Co Sunderland assistant coach, Paul Woodley, followed by Rob Crowther on 35 pts and Neptune lifeguard, Wayne Henderson, on 33 points. 

The day concluded with a meal and presentation of prizes donated by Ian Forrest and Graeme Smith. 

MASC Golf Open 2007 - Friday 5th October @ Wynyard GC

The largest ever field competed for the 6th Golf Open on an exceptionally warm and sunny October day. Guests from other clubs boosted the entry and it may now be time to consider an N&D Golf Day as well.  Winner for the third time was Graeme Smith with a score of 41 points, five ahead of Stuart Willmott who in turn was one ahead of Mark Stephenson and Ray Smith. Winning team in the morning Texas Scramble was Keith Andrews, Paul Hogg, Eddie McWilliams and Graeme Smith.

Race Night - Friday 7th September 2007 @ Linthorpe Masonic Hall 

Once again a good night was had by all and, for a change, all the races were from UK. Didn't help much when it came to the betting. Highlight was the antics of N&D President, Barry Tiffin, when his big money buy came home first in the last race of the night! A very tidy profit was made to help fund activities in the club for our swimmers.

MASC Golf Open 2006 - Thursday 28th September @ Middlesbrough GC

The fifth Open had a very tight finish as only 4 points covered the top 4 competitors after 18 holes on an immaculately prepared course. On top this year was Eddie McWilliams whose 34 points was one ahead of Graeme Smith (33) followed by Ray Smith (32) and Mark Stephenson (30). Also enjoying the day were Eddie Johnson and Middlesbrough Open referee, Fred Murray.  Next year's event organisation falls to the new champion who promises somewhere good!

Race Night -Friday 22nd September 2006 @ Linthorpe Masonic Hall

A very enjoyable night during which various races were shown and support for the racers grew as the night went on. Some supporters had various plans such as support no. 6 all night and you must win something! Not always the case!!  A good profit was made which will be used by the Supporters club for various activities during the coming year in support of the swimmers. Thank you to all the persons present on the night and to all those involved with the organising and running of the event.

MASC Golf Open 2005 - Wednesday 21st September 2005 @ Eaglescliffe GC

A depleted field of 4 competed in this year's competition due to work and other commitments. After a friendly 10 hole matchplay the serious competition got underway after lunchtime. After a close battle, defending champion Graeme Smith edged home in the last few holes with a score of 39 points from Eddie McWilliams on 36 points.  Both used their home advantage to good effect on the slick greens.  Ray Smith was 3rd on 29 points ahead of Mark Stephenson on 27 points.