Spartans young and old join in Christmas Day swim (From Bournemouth Echo)
When news happens text pix and video to 80360. Start your message with BE then leave a space.
Spartans young and old join in Christmas Day swim
10:59am Thursday 27th December 2012 in News By Andy Martin
Spartans young and old join in Christmas Day swim
SOME call them brave, others think they are slightly mad.
But the Bournemouth Spartans took to the freezing waters for their annual Christmas Day swim.
Around 40 members of the group made the dip at Boscombe, watched by several hundred onlookers.
The Mayor of Bournemouth, Cllr Phil Stanley-Watts was on hand to lend his support and judge the fancy dress competition.
Chairman of the Spartans, Dave O’Donnell said: “It was pretty rough but everyone had a good time and seemed to enjoy themselves.”
He added: “It seems to have become a bit of a tradition for many people to come along and watch us go in.”
The Spartans have been going since 1951 and Dave joined in 1962.
“Hopefully I have got a few years left in me yet,” he said.
“We have lost a few members but a lot of new ones have come through recently so we are in quite a good position.”
The oldest member is Jack Willmott who is in his mid 90s.
Anyone interested in joining the Spartans can ring Dave on 01202 518284
Comments(7)
l'anglais
says...
3:29pm Fri 28 Dec 12
elite50 wrote:Things are starting to become clearer.
About 50 years ago I, along with 4 mates decided to go for a New Year swim.
We did not feel the cold (alcohol has that effect, for a while).
As we left the water, the cold started to seep into us (in a big way).
I started to jump up and down to try and keep warm.
I looked down and found that I was jumping up and down on the side of my foot.
When I thawed out I found that I had a badly broken ankle.
End of New year swimming (my ankle still aches when it gets cold!).
Would you say that your mental judgement has subsequently been affected by this escapade?
Dorset Delight
says...
6:04am Sat 29 Dec 12
However, as a proud member of The Spartans, I feel alcohol as opposed to the swim caused your trauma.
Daily sea swimming is the best.
Happy 2013 all.
elite50
says...
11:41am Sat 29 Dec 12
l'anglais wrote:Not really, Had I looked down and been jumping on some "wannabe Frenchmans" head the softness of it would have cusioned my foot.
elite50 wrote:Things are starting to become clearer.
About 50 years ago I, along with 4 mates decided to go for a New Year swim.
We did not feel the cold (alcohol has that effect, for a while).
As we left the water, the cold started to seep into us (in a big way).
I started to jump up and down to try and keep warm.
I looked down and found that I was jumping up and down on the side of my foot.
When I thawed out I found that I had a badly broken ankle.
End of New year swimming (my ankle still aches when it gets cold!).
Would you say that your mental judgement has subsequently been affected by this escapade?
Like all real (and imagined) Frenchmen they are never around when needed!
Slime away Froggie!
Steatoda
says...
8:04pm Sun 30 Dec 12
Dorset Delight
says...
4:18pm Tue 22 Jan 13
Agreed, the Macmillan and other charitable Festive Period swims are noteworthy.
However, judgemental isn't pretty and I think you will find The Spartans also carry out do charitable works/swims without making a hoo-ha about it.
Hope 2013 is proving happy for you.
Steatoda
says...
9:04pm Tue 22 Jan 13
elite50 says...
9:51am Fri 28 Dec 12
We did not feel the cold (alcohol has that effect, for a while).
As we left the water, the cold started to seep into us (in a big way).
I started to jump up and down to try and keep warm.
I looked down and found that I was jumping up and down on the side of my foot.
When I thawed out I found that I had a badly broken ankle.
End of New year swimming (my ankle still aches when it gets cold!).