County's only synchronised swimming club to close

The only synchronised swimming club in Somerset is set to close as its coach of 22 years is retiring.

Taunton Artistic Swimming Club has been running since the 1970s but is holding its last training session on Friday evening.

It comes as its coach Alyson Bashford is retiring after 22 years with the club and it has not yet found anyone to take over her role.

Bashford said: "We've been going since 1970. It's a brilliant sport to have a go at and it keeps you fit. I feel a bit bereft."

The club had 28 members from Wellington, Bridgwater, Ilminster and Taunton - and also had a waiting list.

The team competed at regional and county competitions, winning medals at county level.

Bashford said she got involved because her daughter joined the team and she "fell in love" with the sport.

She said she attempted to retire two years ago but returned when nobody else was able to coach the class.

"This time I'll go," she added.

"It's going to be sad but I'm a little tired. I'll miss all the girls."

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