First off, apologies for the lateness of this blog. It's been a full day of activity, the most notable being passing my bronze proficiency at Dee Why. I was told I did the run swim run with 10 seconds to spare but I'm sure they were lying.
Last night and today we were blessed with rain. Not so the people living on the land in much of the state. I was talking to Belinda last night - she lives on a farm near Wingham, and more than once she said the atmosphere was just weird. Another friend of had had 99% of her 1000 acre property a few hundred kms away from Wingham completely burned out. This property is a conservation area and the native animals she shares it with had no chance.
Sorry to cast a pall on the blog but this is something we shouldn't and can't look away from.
Our corner of the world was lovely as usual. I just managed to catch the 6:30 crew aka the Drinks Express setting off.


While up on land Alison and friends were setting up one of the B&B globally renowned cake and bake stalls. This one was a fund raiser for bushfire victims (see management notices below). It was a sell-out. Congrats to the organiser, helpers, contributors and purchasers - all much appreciated

Lainey's famous seedy nutty slice




Water temps are on the upward trajectory, and please do take note of the summer swims starting in December. Triple, 6km and 10km badges are up for grabs.

Annie and Peter with Derek's furchild, Bindi


Bindi shares dog of the day honours with Colby, seen here executing a spectacular downward dog. You'd think he was born for it. Namaste, bruh. Colby is with Jo for the next few weeks and will be accepting pats and giving love

Spooning










Newbie Anna, centre


Can you heard the drums Fernando?




Newbie Taylah in the stripes


Fishies






This fiddler ray aka banjo shark and flathead were in the shallows at Manly


When too much silly is barely enough.....

Thanks to Medibank Free and Active, B&B random swimmer of the month for October is: Mike Russell
Mike has done 41 swims. (his picture is attached)
His main motivation to join B&B was to keep up my fitness levels post 50, and importantly to do more with the local community. “I used to bodysurf all the local breaks for years, and when the weather was flat I would swim across to Shelley Beach by myself. One day I counted 12 sharks as I swam and decided that maybe it was time to swim with the group!”
Mike has two purchases in mind with his voucher ... either a sports watch, or a new swimming wetsuit.
Great work Mike.
Management update
Management recently attended a meeting with representatives from Northern Beaches and Lake Macquarie Councils. The two Councils in question have been chosen to undertake a “Smart Beaches” project. The Councils wanted to inform the Bold and Beautiful what the project is all about. The project’s end result is to furnish more data to enable the Life Savers to perform their jobs as well as possible and improve conditions at the beaches and surrounds.
There will be a number of initiatives which will provide additional information on;
-the number of swimmers/pedestrians on and around the beaches
-the use of facilities by beachgoers
-bathing and swimming conditions
In order to record information there will be cameras installed at Manly and Shelly beaches, GPS trackers will be attached to the red and yellow flags, to buggies, rescue boards and even the rubbish bins to ensure they get emptied appropriately. Some lifeguards will be equipped with devices to measure their movement and activity. Installation is expected late November and a similar situation will be happening on Redhead and Blacksmith beaches in Lake Macquarie. There isn’t really much for us to do other than encourage the project as it will hopefully improve safety and beach conditions for all at Manly and Shelly.
Cake Stall to support Bush Fire Victims from the WOWs (this was held today but keeping the post in case you need the link to donate)
Hi B&B friends. We will be holding a cake stall this Saturday 23 November to help the community of our fellow BnB swimmer Belinda Robertson. Bee & hubby Bruce have been ready for action defending their farm for the past week, they have been spared but their community is suffering great loss (they are near Wingham/Taree). Please bake if you can or bring your $$ and appetite on Saturday. Or if you won’t be there but would like to donate, see the link below. Thank you 💕
Click here to support MidCoast Bush Fire Relief organized by LIONS Club of Taree (MidCoast) NSW
LIONS Club of Taree (MidCoast) NSW MidCoast Bush Fire Relief LET'S JOIN TOGETHER TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Want to join LIONS Australia in helping those affected
A Note from Emma G.
B&B FUNDRAISING CHRISTMAS PARTY
Please book early for the B & B Christmas Party, which will be held on Tuesday 10th December at 6.30 pm in Henry's Rooftop Bar (2nd Floor) at the Steyne Hotel. All swimmers and partners/friends are welcome (no under 18s unfortunately). The theme is simply “Christmas”, so come dressed in your finest Christmas paraphernalia. The music this year will again be provided by the band, “Gluteus Maximus”, who play two types of music, Rock and Roll! The cost is $15 per head, with all proceeds going to the running costs of the B&B. Book now! Don’t miss out on this fun event, as numbers are limited. Book HERE now!
What am I listening to? Seems apt.