There was a lot of excited anticipation this morning. We were going to be celebrating one of our great swimmers. Many would say, our number 1 swimmer! Cakes had been baked overnight, swim caps were rinsed, goggles cleaned and the celebratory hat and garland for brilliance were polished. So there was no doubt that this morning was all about John Bond. John is Number 1 on the leader board, and has just notched up his 4000km swim. Not only is John an amazing swimmer he is one of the kindest, sweetest, caring members of the Band B. He is always on the look out for swimmers who might be in a spot of difficulty and you know that if John is swimming it's going to be a safe swim. But more about John to follow.
There was a lot of action at 6.30 - Paddlers and rowers heading out, rubber duckies waiting on the beach and swimmers managing to navigate their way through all the bustling activity.
Sarah, Cathie and Rusty heading down the ramp for the 6.30 swim
Followed by a group of about 45 other early swimmers
Such exuberance! Sarah is so excited about her swim
Martin and Michele
Shaun enjoyed his early morning swim
Annie and David
The man of the moment John Bond and his trusty side kick Dorset. For the 1 or 2 of you who don’t know John Bond, he is also known as our reliable water temperature monitor. A massive responsibility, especially as this winter there seemed to be a rumour going around that the thermometer was not as accurate as suggested. With the threat of dissention in the ranks, John remained a strong steady influence and was able to quell any grumblings.
Dorset, John Edwina and Maxine. Yes we see you Shelley!
But just in case, we definitely see you this time. I know you were unable to control your merriment being around such greatness.
Edwina with her new work mates. I initially thought that the film crew had been called in to document John's big day. Maybe slightly over the top but why limit our expectations, I say!
Instead, they were here to film for a tv show. Edwina is working with them as part of the medical team. Great office today , Edwina!
Two newbies, Kelly and Tracey
Bergin, Bill, Terry, Amelia, Tracey and Kelly with baby Jack. Bill and Terry were babysitting whilst Amelia and Bergin took the girls for their first swim. I hope you had a fantastic swim.
Brian, Danny, Marco and Guy
Ingrid, Midge and Katrina with their support crew
Jo and Bianca who were trying to warm up after their 5.45 swim. Brrrr!
Amelia, Tracey, Kelly and Bergin
Shelley, Fi, Georgina and Melise, heading down for their 7 o'clock swim, closely followed by John and his entourage!
There was a lot of support for Johns big swim
These friends and sisters were so happy and looked so bright in their cossies. Im sorry I didn't get your names girls but I hope you enjoyed your swim
John at The Point. Great muscle definition by the way John!!
As the team started arriving at Shelly there were many happy faces
Everyone gathered around John to congratulate him and wish him well
There was a lot of fun, laughter and arm waving
We all love John!
Completing his lap to reach 4000km
Fans, Greg and Inge prepare for Johns return to Manly
The crowd grows
The man of the moment arrives
And is cheered on by very excited swimmers all paying tribute to his great achievement
On the 29th June 2016 we celebrated John Bond reaching his 3000 kilometre mark. Today, a mere 16 months later he has notched up another 1000 km’s to reach an incredibly impressive 4,000 kilometres. Congratulations John! Your steadfast commitment and obvious enjoyment that you get from the swim makes you an example to us all.
Apart from the wonderful celebrations it was a beautiful swim. Clarity was pretty perfect, the 18.8 degree water was lovely and the calm seas made it an easy swim. After such a happy morning I hope everyone continues to enjoy their day
Lisa
Stats:
Water temp: 18.8
Swimmers: 145
Newbies: at least 2
Swimmers who have swum 4000km's: 1
Monthly Dinner – 14th November 2017 – Guest Speaker
The final B&B monthly dinner for the year will be held on Tuesday 14th November at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant. The guest speaker on the night will be local Manly identity and B&B original, Isobel Kirk. Isobel is a renowned actress, a sought-after voice coach and entertaining raconteuse. With her perfect diction and precise elocution, she is eminently qualified to deliver her address entitled “Everyfink wot I know (and nuffink wot I don’t)”
The cost of the dinner is great value at only $25 a head, which includes shared entrees, and a selection of mains to choose from (including a vegetarian option). Glasses of beer or wine and desserts are also available at the special price of only $5 each. Numbers are limited, so bookings are essential: To avoid disappointment and secure your spot please book HERE.
Help country kids learn how to surf!
Each Wednesday in November and Thursdays in December we are looking for volunteers to help Royal Far West’s country kids learn how to surf. These children are from all over the state, for many of them it is their first time to Sydney and for most of them it will be the first time they have surfed! The age range is 9 years to 17 years. . The times are 4pm – 6pm once a week. If you can volunteer some afternoons in that time (it doesn’t have to be every week) please contact Anna Bowden on 89668597 or email [email protected]. A working with children check is required
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