SINCE 1951, hundreds have braved icy winter conditions along the Dorset coast to take part in annual swims, organised by a group whose name conjures up images of ancient Greece.

This weekend, winter swimming club Bournemouth Spartans are celebrating their 70th anniversary with a beach party, fit with a hog roast, live entertainment, a visit from the mayor and, of course, a swim.

Every Sunday from October to April, including Christmas Day, the Spartans have entertained onlookers and raised money for charity by taking a dip in the water off Boscombe, as well as Alum Chine and various other coastal spots.

The winter swimming club was formed in 1950 by Percy Moore and George Taylor.

Mr Moore was a Bournemouth hotelier, who had been told he had a heart condition. He took up winter sea bathing in a spirit of defiance.

Temperatures have, not surprisingly, varied widely over the years.

In 1998, then chairman Dave O’Donnell recalled how he had joined the Spartans during one of their most challenging seasons.

“That was the coldest winter I have known. The big freeze of 1962-63,” he said.

“There were icicles hanging from the railings.”

Members are proud to say that wetsuits are not allowed, only swimming caps, gloves or shoes can be worn along with a standard swimsuit.

When asked what advice should be given to newcomers, one Spartan member told the Echo: “Advice? I scream like a baby when I go in, I have no advice whatsoever. Just try it, plunge in at the proverbial deep end and give it a go.”

Spartans chair Hanne Grant said: “We have a big party arranged for Sunday to celebrate 70 years of swimming. We’ve had so many enquiries from new people about joining us.

“We already have around 55 people coming to the party, some of whom have been members for more than 50 years.

“We’re also having funny hat competition in memory of a lovely member named Susan who passed away just before Covid happened. Of course, we haven’t been able to go to her funeral, so we decided to have this competition in her honour. Her husband and daughter will pick the winner.”

79-year-old Hanne, who has been a member for 20 years, added that they would donate £70 to the RNLI and hoped a representative would be able to attend the party.

To become a full member of the club, swimmers must complete 20 swims in one season. Full members are then awarded the coveted Spartans Badge, which has been redesigned for the 70th anniversary.

The celebration will be held at the Branksome Dene community room from 10am on Sunday, October 3.