School swimming lessons in the 1960s really only taught me the basic skill of not drowning. I’ve never learnt to do front crawl, so recently I had my first swimming lesson for 45 years. I learnt the following things in 30 mins.

1) Half decent front crawl without inhaling gallons of water.
2) A nose clip is essential
3) I have been simply pansying around in the pool up till now doing breast stroke
4) I can just about manage one length without expiring
5) Lots of practice required
6) Immense respect for all front crawl swimmers
7)You’re never too old to learn something new from a delightful, young (she looks about 12) experienced swimming instructor
8) I need a lie down.