Posted by Stella Gooch
Photos by Stella Gooch
Click here to see photos of the 2011 Hunstanton Christmas Swim
Hunstanton Carnival Queen among returning Christmas swimmers
The unseasonally mild weather was hardly appreciated by this year’s Hunstanton Christmas Swimmers as they rushed in for their annual dip in The Wash since it was undoubtedly colder than most swimmers would like. The “Ghostbusters” (Round Table Chairman Leon Espley and Round Table Vice-Chairman Kevin Waddison) marked the point at which the swimmers had to “swim” out to in order to qualify as having honoured their sponsorship obligations and bravely stood their ground as the swimmers did their bit for this time honoured charitable event.
During proceedings, Richard Searle announced that 120 swimmers had registered for this year’s event and this was in fact a record number of participants. The amount raised by just one swimmer had well exceeded £1,000. The total raised overall was – as ever – more than £5,000 for the benefit of local charities.
Hunstanton Coastguard observes proceedings
The promenade along Hunstanton Beach was lined with the usual hordes of spectators and many ventured out to the beach and some even went into the sea (including me – armed with my wellies! but one keen photographer waded in to the sea in her bare feet!!!). It was a real sight to behold looking back at Hunstanton from the beach with a huge crowd all dressed up in their various costumes and nowhere to go except a dunk in the sea!
2011 was the 53rd Hunstanton Swim and the event attracts more entries with every passing year. It is now a real fixture on everyone’s local Christmas calendar.
IF YOU WISH TO TAKE PART IN THE NEXT SPONSORED SWIM PLEASE CONTACT:
Hunstanton Round Table, c/o Witley Press Ltd, 24 Greevegate, Hunstanton, Norfolk, PE36 6AD
Tel: 01485 532543
Christmas swimmers returning to Hunstanton beach