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Discover our story, values, and the community that makes Stewartby Water Sports Club special.
"SWSC is a not-for-profit Community Amateur Sports Club, run by volunteers on behalf of its members."
Nestled in the heart of the Marston Vale, we’re a friendly, volunteer-run community where people of all ages enjoy getting out on the water. Whether you’re learning, competing, or simply looking to be part of a vibrant, welcoming club, you’ll find your place here.
Four Sections, One Club
Each section runs its own sport, events, and membership. You join through the section that suits your interests best.
Stewartby Lake spans around 200 acres of open water. The lake is shared between all sections of the club, with sailing and water skiing using opposite sides, powerboating operating when no other sessions are running, and anglers fishing from swims around the edges or from small boats.
What Guides Us
Our mission, vision, and values shape everything we do.
Our Mission
Since 1971, our mission has been to provide outstanding facilities for the community of Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas to participate in and enjoy the amateur sports offered through our water sports sections. We are a non-profit club, run by our members, for our members, dedicated to making life on the water as accessible and affordable as possible.
Our Vision
To be the heart of community water sports in Bedfordshire. We envision a future where Stewartby Water Sports Club is a vibrant, welcoming hub for all ages and abilities—a place where a lifelong passion for the water is discovered, skills are nurtured, and lasting friendships are made.
our values
Built by Members, For Members
We are a community club, founded on friendship and powered by the voluntary spirit of our members. Every contribution, from coaching and rescue to maintaining our shared facilities, strengthens our club for the next generation.
Open to All
The water is for everyone. We are fundamentally committed to being an accessible and inclusive club, welcoming people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. We strive to keep costs affordable,
Safety Above All
Our commitment to safety is absolute. The wellbeing of our members, guests, and the public is our highest priority, guiding our training, our procedures, and our culture of responsibility on and off the water.
A Shared Passion for the Water
A shared passion for our sports is the powerful current that connects us. We are united by the challenge, the freedom, and the simple joy of being on the water together.
Championing Our Sports
We are dedicated to advancing our sports and developing skills at every level. We actively create pathways from grassroots participation to national-level excellence, proudly hosting competitions that celebrate skill and sportsmanship.
Guardians of Our Lake
We are the proud stewards of Stewartby Lake. We hold a deep respect for our natural environment and are committed to its protection through responsible and sustainable practices, preserving it as a cherished resource for the future.
History
A brief history of our club.
1930's
The birth of the quarry
Stewartby Lake was originally a pit owned by London Brick Company (as it was then known) from which they extracted Oxford clay to make bricks.
1960's
End of excavation
By the mid 60's the seam of clay had reached exhaustion and the huge pit was no longer used by the Brick Company. One of the managers decided that with the help of some friends he could persuade London Brick to turn the disused pit into some sort of leisure facility.
1963
The 'Stewartby Pliosaur'
The 'Stewartby Pliosaur' was uncovered during clay excavation in the Coronation Pit at Stewartby, the club incorporated the silhouette of a pliosaur into its logo symbolising its ties to the area's history. Its fitting, and somewhat ironic, that a site once covered by ancient seas is now home to a vibrant watersports community.
1971
The birth of SWSC
In 1971 Stewartby Water Sports Club was formed. In the early days facilities were virtually non-existent and members voluntarily worked on site to create the Club as it is to-day. The first clubhouse was a wooden hut which had been used on the prisoner of war camp at Elstow. Members donated old furniture to fill the hut but there were still no changing rooms. This changed when one of the members provided a huge wooden crate from his own import business and this was succeeded by a Vauxhall coach which had been purchased for £25.00. Vauxhall motors had modified the coach to include a solid partion for female and male changing rooms.
1975
The clubhouse
In 1975 London Brick Company built a permanent clubhouse and this also has the benefit of showers, a galley serving hot and cold food and a bar (courtesy of Charles Wells Brewery). The lawned area in front of the clubhouse came about due to a member of the water-ski section. The gentleman concerned lived in Kempston and happened to be talking to the site foreman in charge of building the Saxon Centre. A large amount of soil was being excavated to build the underground car park but would cost a lot of money to dump. The club member suggested that the soil be moved to Stewartby and thus the grassed area was then created giving members a lovely view of the lake.
2000
Stewardship under Forest Of Marston Vale Trust
After the London Brick Company ceased operations, the Forest of Marston Vale Trust became the club’s new landlord. Their stewardship secured the long-term future of the site, balancing habitat restoration with continued access for water sports and community recreation.
2020
Clubhouse refurbishment
Supported by the Bedford Mayor’s Climate Change Fund, members modernised the 1970s clubhouse with new insulation, double glazing, LED lighting and upgraded fire doors. The project greatly improved comfort and energy efficiency, giving the building a new lease of life.
Ready to Join the Club?
Become part of our welcoming community and enjoy everything Stewartby Water Sports Club has to offer. Choose your section, get involved, and start your journey on the water.
