Radford is one of the oldest swimming clubs in Nottingham, but unfortunately when the Second World War broke out, all of the original records belonging to the club were lost. This era of the club ended in 1939, as swimming in Nottingham took a back seat to the ongoing war efforts. The gap in competitive swimming can be seen on some of the older trophies that are still swum for in our Club Championships.
1950s

In 1952, the club was officially reformed. In those early days Radford S.C. trained at the Radford Baths on Boden Street, since replaced by John Carrol Leisure Centre. More recently we have moved to much more conventional pools such as those at Ken Martin and Southglade Leisure Centres.
1970s

In the 1970s, the club grew, attracting more swimmers and swam at other pools, such as Lenton and the Noel Street Baths. This put the club on a sound financial standing, enabling us to steadily improve standards and build up a happy and potentially competitive club. During this time Ray Barnes was appointed Head Coach. With the help of a few keen parents, the slow process of being one of the top clubs began. A turning point in the club's history came about when the they managed to get more pool time in 1975, because Kimberley Leisure Centre opened. Not only did they gain more pool time, but they also reached out into a new catchment area of swimmers. By this time the club had 350 swimmers and it was necessary for an A and a B Team to be developed.
1980s

Gradually from this point, Radford grew and grew and developing some great swimmers through the 1980s and 1990s. Such names were Joanne Wood, Chris Procter, Lisa Marchant, Helen Gorman, Roland Lee, Nicola Kennedy to name but a few! Perhaps the highlight of Radford's more recent history came in 1987. The team, captained by Chris Proctor and Sarah Kerswell, won the National Speedo League Final at Leeds International Pool, beating the home team by four points. Leeds had won the previous five National titles. East Midlands league rivals, Norwich Penguins, were third. Just 6½ points separated the top three teams and Radford were not confirmed as Champions until after the last relay!
1990s

Chris Proctor, aged 13 here, was one of Radford's top swimmers and the Head Coach in the early 1990s.
2000s

In 2002 the club celebrated its Golden Jubilee.  Although not as big as it once was Radford Swimming club still remains very successful. In more recent years Radford swimmers Heidi Earp and Adam Faulkner went on to represent Great Britain in the 2000 and 2004 Olympics. We now also run an annual Open Meet at Ponds Forge in Sheffield that attracts the top swimmers from all over the country. We have had a number of National records set at this event, including some by disabled swimmers.