101 years ago my grandfather George Cowell was recovering from Spanish flu at a military hospital in England. He was 22. His ship had been on its way to the Western Front when it picked up supplies and the Spanish Flu virus in Sourh Africa.
On his ship Barambah, 800 of the 1000 troops came down with the virus and at least 27 died.
After some months of convalescence in England, he was repatriated to Australia, the war having ended.
He spent some weeks in quarantine at the Quarantine Station, North Head. His story passed down was of the roofless toilet block with the best view of the harbour where he could wave to the ferries passing by.
George went back to Merewether where he married and raised a family. He continued his lifelong involvement with the Merewether Surf Club until his death at age 63.
His son David, my dad, is currently currently recovering from Pneumonia in Royal North Shore Hospital. Having spent 1 day in the COVID ward, I am happy to report he tested negative and was transferred.
As we approach ANZAC Day this week, we should remember the 62,000 Australians who died in World War 1. Perhaps we should also think about the 15,000 Australians who died from the Spanish Flu in the wake of this War.
Read more about the Spanish Flu pandemic that infected 40% of Australians here. Things don’t change much in 101 years.
https://www.nma.gov.au/defining-moments/resources/influenza-pandemic
Keep safe and keep your distance.
Simon
BOLD & BEAUTIFUL IS NOT CURRENTLY RUNNING DUE TO THE IMPORTANCE OF SOCIAL DISTANCING AND STAYING INSIDE AS MUCH AS IS POSSIBLE DUE TO CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19).
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BOTB
We encourage everyone to swim at different times and not in groups – we want people to be active and enjoy access but cannot support or endorse group swimming until the government advice changes.
Please come at staggered times. Avoid using the ramp instead access the beach north of the club house.
Something to watch:
A Kiwi film-maker and outdoor swimmer based in London, Patrick McLennan, thought B&B swimmers might be interested in watching his film, The Ponds, about the all year-round swimmers of Hampstead Heath, London. We are sure it will resonate with many of our swimmers and is a nice feel good story of healthy, well-being and passion for the cold water buzz, a nice light relief movie to enjoy at this time...
Here’s the trailer: https://vimeo.com/406188620
Rent it here: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/theponds
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