The press deadline for our Apr/May issue is looming, so I get to write the newsletter while Jonathan is chained to his computer. We're looking forward to another issue packed with inspirational stories such as our Open Water Hero feature on Mercedes Gleitze, a true swimming pioneer. Also, find out about a new charity that aims to have the Thames designated as a bathing water in order to force further improvements in water quality and open it up to thousands more swimmers.

We've also added a special one-off supplement about masters swimming. There is a great cross-over between masters and open water swimming and with the European Masters Championships being held in London, in May, we decided this was the perfect time to publish a brief guide to the sport.

As we only have limited availability on the high street, the best way to ensure you receive a copy is to take out a subscription, which costs just £24.90 per year on direct debit in the UK.

Thanks again to everyone who joined us last Saturday for our fifth anniversary party at Hampton Lido. We had a lovely evening and raised £241 for Sport Relief in our raffle, with prizes from DryRobe, Zoggs, Swim Quest, Adam Walker and Powerbreather.

Finally, we will be at Swim Expo in Manchester this weekend, so come and say hello if you're there. Use code HTO2711 for a 50% discount on the ticket price.

Happy swimming

Simon Griffiths