This was our first experience of taking part in an event like this in a retail capacity. We usually shy away from competitive events (competition not really being our thing), but this was perfect for us. The atmosphere was great – definitely more about having fun than winning,especially in the afternoon when the bar opened, (swimmers were warming up at the cycle-powered cinema with pint in hand).

Down our side of the marquee our fellow stall holders included Strel Swimming Adventures (Strel being the mad Slovenian who swims the piranha infested Amazon) www.strel-swimming.com, and SwimTrek “ferries are for wimps” www.swimtrek.com . Then us – the wimps! We believe in brief moments of immersion when it’s cold!

Or serious wrapping up – I wear my Aqua Sphere Aqua Skin, Barracuda Hothead and Cressi gloves and boots at this time of year!

The entrants in these races were seasoned cold water swimmers, clad in just their costumes. I did see one man pulling wet trunks off and he had another pair underneath – is that cheating? Apparently you do acclimatize, like Sue – see her article.

We take our hats off to these brave swimmers – and there were some very impressive hats. We were proud to donate the prizes for the winners of the Crazy Hat Race.

For news and pictures of the event see www.slsc.org.uk.

p.s The happy winner of our free prize draw at the Cold Water Swimming Championships in Tooting in January was Jackie Davies from Bristol.