New year' day, River Frome

I've swam at Farleigh and District swimming club a couple of times. As all 'wild swimmers' know it is the only river swimming club left in England and the home of Rob Fryer of Rob's Cool Places fame. It is a short drive or pleasant cycle ride from my home in Bath. 

The idea to swim on new year's day came from a well oiled conversation with a new friend, Tony, at a new years eve party. I regaled him with tales of all year round swimming in the Serpentine in London and in the sea and expected the usual 'you must be mad' response. However he didn't to balk at the idea of winter swimming and when I upped the ante with a suggestion of swim the following morning he was keen. The following morning I was woken with a text message saying 'Let's swim!' No way out now.

I've swum outdoors all year round and it is only the River Frome that never seems to warm up. So using this twisted logic I assumed that it couldn't be any colder in January as it was in September.  I also drafted in my regular outdoor swimming mate Dom who I knew would enjoy a dip. 

We trouped over to Farliegh Hungerford with our families and Tony and Dom very impressively dived in, I however opted for the ladder. Unsurprisingly it was colder than in September. After a quick dip Dom's daughter wanted to jump in.Although none of us wanted to dampen her enthusiasm we felt it better to persuade her not to as she was only about 6 years old. I can highly recommend a plunge in the sea or a river as a natural hang-over cure for next new years' day.

Another notable visit was this summer when Rosie and I went over for a quick dip before going to the Mill at Rode for lunch. We were joined by a group of local lads. It was one of those situations where the sudden presence of boisterous young men could have been uncomfortable, but they wanted to do the same as us and have a swim, so we ended up taking it in turns using the rope swing.  A nice example of swimming bringing people together.

On note on the club:

Farleigh and District Swimming Club is the only river swimming club left in the country. Founded in 1933, it now has over 2000 members. The water is fresh, with a deep area above the weir for lovely swimming. There are toilets and changing rooms available. There is also a large car park with easy access to swimming. The Club is run by a Committee, who take it in turns to collect subs. Sometimes in the height of the summer we have to employ somebody to help out. The Club is chaired by stalwart enthusiast, Mr. Rob Fryer. Membership is compulsory for insurance reasons but subscriptions are kept low at £16 for a family membership, £10 for an adult membership, and £5 for a junior one. These can be paid in instalment