It wasn’t easy to guess what the weather had in store for us, nor indeed who would turn up and when, to add to the confirmed list of willing Lido supporters in pursuit of the 35,000 metres. As it was, the weather was kind and we had sunny spells most of the day. The swimming started with FOGL Christina Victor, accompanied by a number of those attending the opening ceremony. We had two of our Councillors plus Jim Miles, Guildford’s Director of Leisure Services, take to the water to bolster our total with several hundred metres. Russell Atkins, the Lido Manager, also demonstrated his prowess adding a few lengths to the tally.
It wasn’t all about the older swimmers. We were delighted to welcome Samantha Tierney, one of Guildford City’s competitive youngsters. Pride of place goes to the Petrie lads – Gus, Cal and Brodie – who came all the way down from London with their parents Al and Lucy. Al and Lucy were “representing” our friends from the mighty Tooting Bec Lido and are one of the few (possibly only) husband and wife teams that have conquered the Channel. The boys added ten lengths between them. We “found” a 2010 Channel solo hopeful, Hugh Thacker, thanks to BBC Radio Surrey and Hugh contributed 6km as part of his Channel training.
Progress was swift and we clocked 35K by 1:30pm. With other swimmers booked to swim later in the day we carried on to clock up a magnificent 49km. Well done to all, and for the record, the roll of honour comprises:
Christina Victor, Victoria Starr, Rory Fitzgerald, Cllr Marilyn Merryweather, Cllr Anne Meredith, Jim Miles, Janetta Bensouilah, Michel Bensouilah, Helen Wolstencroft, Hugh Thacker, Ellery McGowan, Lucy Scott-Petrie, Cal, Brodie and Gus Petrie, Al Petrie, Russell Atkins, Peter Hall, Steve Kinder, Stephen Ruseler, Samantha Tierney, Philip Newman, Stuart Watson, Jim Boucher.
Once we’ve had confirmation of how much money was raised for the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice, we’ll post it here. Thank you everyone for making such a brilliant contribution to marking the start of 2010 Lido season.
