As the rest of us settle down for mid-winter in south Warwickshire, one lucky member of staff from the local council will be making her way to mid-summer in Australia for the Commonwealth Games later this month.
Helen Slatter, a former Olympic swimmer, has been granted special leave from her role at Stratford-on-Avon District Council's sports development service to join the English swimming team as one of its managers for this year's Commonwealth Games.
"I have been lucky enough to swim in three Olympic Games (88, 92 and 96) and three Commonwealth Games, (90, 94 and 98) but this year, making the English team as a member of staff is yet another challenge and one I look forward to," said Helen.
"Ever since I can remember I wanted to swim for Great Britain and after joining the local swimming club at the age of 11, I never looked back. I progressed pretty quickly, going from county to National Championships in two years and finally got my first 'GB cap' at 15.
"I continued to compete for GB and England until the grand old age of 30 (well, it's old in swimming terms!) when I thought it was about time I got a 'proper' job.
"That's where Stratford District Council came in. I've worked here since 2001 in Sports Development, and I'm also employed as Head Coach at Stratford Sharks, the local swimming club.
"Although I enjoy coaching I decided to try my hand at team management. I love the competitions, travelling and meeting new people, as well as the challenge of getting everything organised in time so everyone has a great trip, comfortable travel and good accommodation.
"I leave for Australia soon, with the rest of the swimming team to train on the Gold Coast for two weeks. We then transfer into the village with the opening ceremony on 15 March and the swimming starting on the 16th.
"One of the really good things about being on the swimming team is that the competition finishes in the first week of the Games, which gives us the opportunity to watch some of the other sports before the closing ceremony and coming home. It's a great way to see some world class athletes in action and also meet some great people!"
PHOTO CALL
Time: 10.00am Monday 20 February
Place: Stratford Leisure Centre pool, Bridgefoot, Stratford-upon-Avon
Event: Helen Slatter about to leave for Australia for this year's Commonwealth Games
