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THE long-distance swim, a sporting tradition of
Penzance and district, has become a major local fund-raiser for the
Macmillan charity.
Four generations of young and mature sportsmen swam from the end of Newlyn's North pier to the Jubilee Pool.
For
the past three years it has been organised from Tolcarne beach to the
slipway at the far end of the promenade by the Battery Rocks.
It
was in 1995 that a group of 40 hardy swimmers gathered to restore the
event to the local sporting calendar, with sponsorship for Macmillan.
It
became so popular, with so many wanting to join in, that it required a
little more organising than in the past, said Thelma Hoare.
Thus Nick Brooks, the late Liz Brooks and many other volunteers took
on the task. A decision was made to scrap the sponsorship idea. Instead
it was suggested that each of the now greatly increased number of
swimmers would each pay an entry fee, entitling them to a certificate
stating the time taken by each.
Peter
George, landlord of the Yacht Inn, was very supportive, not only
providing the entrants with pasties after the swim and a room for the
presentation of the certificates, but also trophies. So the event
became the Yacht Inn Swim. From the small group the number grew last
year to more than 200 – the youngest aged nine years old and the oldest
a sixtysomething. Many of the original swimmers are now taking part
with their children. Imagine how they love to hear they have achieved a
faster time than mum, dad, granny or grandpa.
Mrs Hoare, a former Macmillan branch chairman, said this year's swim would be on Friday, August 22. Over the past nine years thousands of pounds have been raised.
None
of this could have happened without the support of groups such as
Penzance Canoe Club and the RNLI, private boats acting as safety cover.
Many local businesses have also generously helped.
Overwhelmed
by the popularity and growth of the swim, Thelma, associated with the
charity for 25 years (her late husband Jack was a popular Pirates'
rugby forward), is looking forward to the next event.
Now
82, she has been heard to deride wet suits as for "a lot of wimps" and
"not in my day", but appreciates that these improve performances, make
a longer sea swimming season and encourage more swimmers. She is
thrilled by the support to make the swim an ongoing big sporting
occasion for Penzance and wishes it continued success.
article copyright THE CORNISHMAN
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