IT was a day to celebrate as more than 90 nippers and their families gathered at the Tea Gardens Hawks Nest Surf Lifesaving Club last Sunday for the youngsters’ annual Presentation Day.

The strength of the club was on full show, as trophies and certificates were handed out to all the nippers, watched on by proud parents and grandparents.

The TGHN Surf Lifesaving Club has had one of its most successful years on record, with three Nippers making it to the State Championships at Swansea Belmont in March.

More importantly, the Club continues to grow with three of the major awards going to first year members, Anthony Abdullah, Drew Lockrey and Isaac Stokes.

“For Anthony, Isaac and Drew, this is their first season in Nippers and they should be very proud of their efforts and be  congratulated,” Nippers Co-Ordinator Natalie Skelly said.

Among those to receive the highest honours was Sophie Howarth, who was awarded the Overall Point Score Trophy in all age groups.

Drew Lockrey won the Vince McLean Encouragement Award for an Up and Comer.

Anthony Abdullah received the Chris Richards Encouragement award for doing his best and being involved.

Isaac Stokes received the Rex Sargeant award for a junior that went over and above what would normally be expected of a Nipper.

And the Ian Dunlop Swimming award for the most enthusiastic, and improved swimmer went to Harrison Skelly Osmond.

Big and exciting changes are ahead for the Tea Gardens Hawks Nest Surf Life Saving Club with $500,000 worth of renovations about to begin on the Surf Club building.

Club President Stephen (Scuba) Howell is hopeful work will be completed by early next year.

By Margie TIERNEY