Red Diamond was set up by a few volunteers who had a vision to promote sports activities for the disabled.

As a club we have always been grateful to Bracknell Forest Borough Council for providing swimming and other facilities on Sunday evenings at the Sports Centre for our club members over the years at no charge.

The club would like to acknowledge its gratitude to such founder members as John Norris, Frank Norton, John and Ruby Phillips, Hazel Dennis, Val and Malc Codd, Lorna Frewin plus others.

Red Diamond has appreciated the voluntary service of our president/councillor Isabel Mattick since the 1990s and our amazing vice-president/volunteer/eldest member Jessie Ritchie at 105 years of age. What an achievement!

The club is also grateful to Ted Mallett for his years of service as chairman.

From its origins back in the 70’s, Red Diamond expanded and started to compete against clubs from other areas and even joined in residential games as far away as Camborne in Cornwall. During these days the club was even able to offer both archery and air rifle shooting at the Sports Centre.

Throughout the 80’s the club membership continued to increase. On an annual basis the club hosted ‘the Bracknell and Wokingham Games’ at St. Crispins School, inviting other clubs to compete. We still hold ‘the Red Diamond Games’ each May, now held at Holme Grange School. We are fortunate to have dedicated volunteers from local Rotary groups and the Hurst Show group to help our events.

From its origins back in the 70’s, Red Diamond expanded and started to compete against clubs from other areas and even joined in residential games as far away as Camborne in Cornwall. During these days the club was even able to offer both archery and air rifle shooting at the Sports Centre.

Throughout the 80’s the club membership continued to increase. On an annual basis the club hosted ‘the Bracknell and Wokingham Games’ at St. Crispins School, inviting other clubs to compete. We still hold ‘the Red Diamond Games’ each May, now held at Holme Grange School. We are fortunate to have dedicated volunteers from local Rotary groups and the Hurst Show group to help our events.

During the 90’s Red Diamond formed a link with Wokingham twin town, Erftstadt. This led to many mutual exchange trips with their disabled group. Firm friendships were made over these years and some still continue.

Over many years a team representing Red Diamond has travelled to the Bath and West residential games taking place at the end of May. This has proved very popular with competitors and helpers, and a chance for our members to come away with cups and medals.

The club also raised money to sponsor a member plus helper to be part of the crew of the tall ship ‘The Lord Nelson’.

This was organised by the Jubilee Sailing Trust. In subsequent years, lucky sailors travelled aboard the tall ship ‘Tenacious’.

We hold an annual water activity session at Horseshoe Lake where members have fun trying out canoeing, sailing and dragon boating. For the less able or less daring there is always the opportunity to ride in a motor boat.

Further residential breaks have been available at Bursledon, alongside the River Hamble. Activities there have been instructor led, encouraging participants to take part in water activities, climbing and other outward bound challenges along with team building.

In 2012 some club members were privileged to take part in the London paralympic torch relay. Trips were then organised to the Olympic Park to watch swimming and athletic events. Special memories!

In 2013, after nomination and several qualifying stages, the Red Diamond Sports Club received the Queens Award for voluntary service.

With that, several lucky members were invited to attend at Buckingham Palace and accept the award on behalf of the club.

That award stands proudly in our display cabinet at the Leisure Centre.

With new members joining all the time along with a dedicated band of volunteers, the club will hopefully go on to achieve more awards in the coming years, giving inspiration to younger disabled people and providing the opportunity for socialising and having fun!