​Tom Wellings

​Tom Wellings was a Founder Member and Life Member of Bilston Swimming Club.

He was one of the influential members to create the Bilston Open Meet, which was staged at Bilston Baths, and had a reputation of the most friendly open meet in the Midlands.

Tom Wellings was also (in partnership with Peter Holmes) influential in staging the Special Inter-Squad Competition at Bilston, sponsored by British Gas, when prize money of £3,000 was at stake. This was one of the ground-breaking events in Swimming when prize money was offered.

Tom was elected to Staffordshire ASA in 1979. He was Hon. Swimming Secretary in 1987 - 96, was President 1992 - 3 and was elected as Life Member of the Association.

Tom Wellings was one of the founders of the Staffordshire Swimming League and he was the League’s first Secretary.

Tom was very supportive of the then four Swimming Clubs in Wolverhampton. He was one of the influential Members who created the friendship with the German City of Grevensbrook. The annual alternating visit between the two Cities still exists today.

We can safely say that Tom Wellings was a supporter of Swimming, who also was a contributor to many good practices of our Sport.

By profession Tom was an Architect employed as the Chief Architect to the National Coal Board. One design he was very proud of was the Swimming Pool at Highley. Those of us who have used this pool will always remember it as ‘Tom Wellings’ Pool’.

May He Rest in Peace