14. Derwent Reservoir

Derwent Reservoir Championship 2007 What started out as a new swim for the BLDSA to celebrate the Golden Jubilee rapidly declined to be a one off event. Unfortunately 2 days before the championship it came to light that Northumbria Water do not allow swimming in the reservoir and the championship was under threat of cancellation. This was happily rectified by the kindness of Northumbrian Water who allowed the one swim to take place this year as long as we changed to a circuit swim out of sight of public eyes. This aside my partner and my rock in organising the event, that evening was rushed into hospital and again it looked dubious as to whether the swim would take place as my concerns were for him. But those of you who know Vince will appreciate his love for the sport, despite only being linked to it for a couple of years. He told me under no uncertain terms must I cancel the championship. So with all the will I could muster and with help and well wishes from friends and family I pulled everything together and so the Championship was held. On the Friday afternoon a small group of hardened campers set up their tents and enjoyed a pleasant social event. With the kind help of Richard Startup from the sailing Club, the new circuit course was set and Buoys in place as agreed with Northumbrian Water. Saturday morning the weather was overcast and the wind was coming in from the South East, a very rare occurrence, making the water somewhat choppy. Swimmers helpers and officials slowly gathered and were checked in and the usual chatter and banter ensued. Two swimmers were reported as not attending and so with all present the President gave a welcoming speech. Thanks were given to those who made the Championship possible and instructions for the swim were given. What would we do without our helpers on these occasions? Thanks to Sandra Wright and to Joe Wilkin- Oxley who sold the programmes and raffle tickets with a bit of arm-twisting and persuasion. Everyone made their way to the start and the Championship got off to a good start as the whistle blew and the flag lowered. My thanks to Andy BLDSA President and his good wife Sandra for taking over at this point, their kindness and support were a big help. There were 9 swimmers attempting the full distance of 5.25 miles (5 circuits) and one swimmer undertaking the shorter course for veterans of 3.15 miles (3 circuits). Slowly the swimmers spread out and an early lead of Simon Lee, Dee Llewellyn and Cara Lawson was set. Alexander Anderson was plagued by an old shoulder injury that prevented him from continuing and Adam Harvey and Beverly Thomas also retired as the condition deteriorated. Well done to them all for having the sense to say enough is enough it is a tough but wise decision to make. The swimmers continued to battle the elements and one by one they finished. First home was Simon Lee, Gents senior freestyle in 2-20-39 followed closely by Dee Llewellyn Ladies senior freestyle in 2-21-17, Cara Lawson Junior Ladies freestyle followed in 2-31-05 and next was Abigail Morgan to take 2nd Junior ladies freestyle. First veteran Gent home was Paul Tew in 3-48-22. Well done to them all for completing the swim in very difficult conditions. When Dee gets out and says it was a hard swim it says it all. Margaret Smith had asked if we could run a shorter Veteran course early on in the arrangement for the championship. We were unsure how this would work so we held it just for her to trial for us for future years. It went very well and she completed it in 3-31-42. Well-done Margaret. It was voiced by most attending the Championship that it would have been a lovely venue for an annual event. Unfortunately this is not to be as explained above. The sailing Club were very welcoming and supportive of the event and were amazed at the guts and determination of those who took part. They had never witnessed an event like it and were astounded that people would voluntarily swim in such conditions donned in just a swimsuit hat and goggles. Richard Startup said, “ most of us in the sailing club can only cope with falling in for a short period and we are fully clothed mainly in dry suits.” Our thanks to them for allowing the event to take place. My special thanks go to all the officials and supporters of the Championship. They endured the elements from the shore with occasional visits to the Galley to thaw out and enjoy a warm drink. You all helped in your own special ways and I thank you in what was a difficult time for me. I cannot show my gratitude enough. All that is left to say is “ Watch this space.” Vince and I are looking into a sea swim off the east coast between Sunderland and Seaham Harbour. Hopefully we will have more luck this time. Jacky Classen (Swim Secretary)

To see Photographs of the event click on the PHOTOS button

Results  

© DL / BLDSA 2007