A huge thanks to everyone who came to Sunday’s first Brockwell Lido Cold Water Swimming Gala, and what a truly brilliant day it proved to be.
The sun shone splendidly on our glorious blue pool and to start proceedings our very own Clive Broadbent swam a length wearing his now famous Dalek hat to the Dr Who them tune. Clive is the chair of governors for Rosemead Prep School in Dulwich, and he’s persuaded six others to swim the Channel to raise money for the school. His team is hoping to kick-start a sports scholarships for underprivileged kids in the area. Well worth our support.
First the swimmers were signed in by our marvellous reception desk volunteers and then a quick safety briefing before Lido Mike took control of the… mike, and the races started.
Contestants numbered around 80 from nine teams including members of Brockwell Lido, Tooting Bec Lido, Streamline Swim, Windrush Triathletes and Out to Swim. Heats were fast and furious and apart from one false start, and one very close call at the finish, the event went swimmingly well.
Well represented, and great to see them in the pool, were staff from both Fusion Lifestyle and the Lido Cafe, including our very own poolside manager Tara who made a very galant effort for Brockwell Team 1 in the heads up breast-stroke relay. Go girl!
Mike kept up the pace on the PA so nobody was left hanging around getting cold, and of course there were our two hot-tub to plunge in to between dips, plus hot Ribena care of the Lido Cafe.
Of course if anyone had got in to trouble we had our very own Polar Medic Michael on site care of Herne Hills Health Hub London (who also supplied the foil blankets). Thanks guys.
But of course, no Cold Water Swimming event is complete without cake, which was generously donated by both swimmers and spectators. Wonderful display of baking prowess with the winning cake being judged by John from the Lido Cafe.
Then finally to the medal ceremony where the Gold went to Tooting’s South London Swimming club team 1. Joint Silver was taken by Tooting’s South London Swimming club team 2 and Out to Swim. And bronze went to Streamline Swimming.
Our Brockwell Teams put up a brilliant effort, and even though we might not have won any medals, we have won ourselves a brilliant event. So looking forward to the next.
