It has taken a while to get round to writing this entry. A year ago to the day from this swim Dad died. So this year the new year's swim was dedicated to his memory.
The turnout was brilliant, about 40 people including children I'd guess, although only seven were brave enough to swim. This was a improvement on the previous two years - three and five respectively. On the drive over to Farleigh Hungerford the car thermometer didn't rise above minus 2 degrees, but the day was clear and bright, and importantly, windless. Before getting in the water I gave a brief dedication to Dad and his memory was toasted by the group before we turned to the icy river.
The other gallant blokes all entered the water by the rope swing with a variety entry styles from starfish to 'the Japanese' and an ostentatious splash. I opted for a more dignified climb down the ladder followed by a roll on to my back letting out a gentle 'owh, owh, owh' as a homage to Dad's favoured method of entry into cold water.
After a very brief swim in the frigid water we all headed to the bank but the current was pushing against us. It wasn't strong, but it was enough to give the event a little frisson of danger as we all clamoured for the ladder.
Once out victorious photos were taken, ski clothes put on and sloe gin sipped before heading to 'dungeon' at The George a 700 year old pub in near by Norton St. Phillip. The view from the back of the pub is amazing. It looks unchanged for hundreds of years, just fields, a few honey coloured cottages covered with a dusting of snow.
We all agreed that it was a great day and we'd meet the same time next year and Dom even booked the dungeon again.
PS Dom made a great video of the swim that you can see on YouTube, just type 'Farleigh Hungerford swim' or 'John Bennett swim' into the search box.
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