Guest 718- Registered: 28 Jun 2011
- Posts: 195
#1
Despite Sunday's tragedy during a channel swim it looks like another such event is well under way:-
http://www.fibromyalgia-associationuk.org/articles/44-awareness-articles/748-jo-swims-the-channel-for-fibromyaliga-
At about 04:30 this morning I noticed about eight small craft, most of them being escort boats organised by Dover Sea School, departing from the Shakespeare/Samphire area. Now, about four hours later, they are about 2/3 of the way across.
Makes a very worthy change from all the ballyhoo of the Olympics.
Guest 640- Registered: 21 Apr 2007
- Posts: 7,819
#2
Have made that link LIVe for you John.
Click on the URL box amongst the Smileys. The type in between the two lil boxes and bobs yer uncle.
Yes was sorry to hear a chap died swimming it the other day. Irish he was I believe. Sad outcome. Good luck to the guys today.
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
#3
i often wonder why those swims are not publicised more especially if they are trying to raise money for a good cause.
Guest 697- Registered: 13 Apr 2010
- Posts: 622
#4
I agree with Howard, much more should be done to promote the Channel swims. During the summer months Dover becomes a hub of activity with individuals and teams from all over the world attempting to swim the Channel. Swimming the Channel surely ranks alongside the Tour de France and climbing Mount Everest as one of the greatest endurance challenges.
In this Olympic year, wouldn't it be a great legacy if there could be some sort of formal recognition of Dover's role.
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
#5
kevin
i believe there are two rival channel swimming associations and neither seems to
have the town at heart.
all we hear is what happened after the event usually from the media.
my own view is that there should be some sort of send off and maybe a short ceremony once or twice a year at the town council offices where successful swimmers are invited and given some sort of memento.
Guest 656- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 2,262
#6
Yes agree Kevin and Howard, recognition is sorely needed for these very challenging Channel swims and they happen right here on our doorstep
Yes I heard about the Irish man who died, he was only 45 years old and from Cork in southern Ireland I believe. Apparently he made it over to France but collasped and died almost immediately. So sad.
Hope the guys who left this morning have made it and are in good shape
Guest 653- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,540
#7
There is a problem with sayng that so and so is swimming today or next week because of the tides (spring and neep) and winds; some people come over for a few weeks and never get to swim at all.
Probably a lot different now we have good weather and I'm sure the two associations that look after the swimmers - The Channel Swimming Association and the Channel Swimming and Pilots Federation, are doing all they can to help the swimmers have a successful swim.
I agree that we should make more of them than we do - they bring a lot of business to Dover, but some actually stay in Folkestone.
I wrote an article which appeared in the Dover Express, for the 40th. Anniversary of the first Spanish Lady to swim the Channel - Montserrat Tresserus Dow; she did France to England then, in 1958, landing in St.Margarets, her second swim was England to France in 1962.
I also wrote an artice for her 50th. Anniversary; she comes to Dover every year, I guess she must be over 80 now, or very close.
Roger
Ross Miller
- Location: London Road, Dover
- Registered: 17 Sep 2008
- Posts: 3,709
#8
The Channel Swimming & Pilots Federation (
http://www.channelswimming.net/) hold an annual dinner in Dover Town Hall where all successful swimmers and the CS&PF pilots and observers are invited to attend,
"Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die today." - James Dean
"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength,
While loving someone deeply gives you courage" - Laozi
Guest 653- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,540
#9
Yes Ross, Jean and I have been to a few of them; we've also attended the CSA annual prize-giving.
They're both a great way to applaud those who have done so well against many adversities - the Channel being the main one.
The host of the CSPF annual do's is a great character, he really gets the enthusiasm going for everyone involved; the CSA is a bit more formal.
Roger
Guest 718- Registered: 28 Jun 2011
- Posts: 195
#10
It seems yesterday's crossing was successfully completed in just under 17 hrs.
It also looks as if another one is taking place today as two of the escort boats are in mid-channel as I write. I'm told this attempt is being made by two young fellas on behalf of the Stroke Association.
Chris- Forum Admin
- Location: Dover
- Registered: 17 Oct 2009
- Posts: 359
#11
8 swims out today - one stopped after an hour and a half, but the other 7 are/were still going..
Guest 663- Registered: 20 Mar 2008
- Posts: 1,136
#12
Yes Ross I have attended a couple of the Channel swimmers dinners at the Town Hall, they come from all over the world so lets those who try this year are successful.
But very sad to hear about the guy that didn't make it
Guest 640- Registered: 21 Apr 2007
- Posts: 7,819
#13
Thanks for that info there Chris..channel very busy at the moment.
You see these guys putting in the effort in the harbour, long punishing stints hour after hour in training, a tough job for sure.
I met several well known channel swimmers at the Town Hall myself over time...all very pleasant. Im sure I have a picture or two somewhere.
Guest 720- Registered: 20 Jul 2011
- Posts: 114
#14
I've just been reading all about the Channel swims in the Mercury, including the details of the tragedy with the Irish swimmer (unless I missed it, I don't think it even got a mention in the Express). There are certainly some inspiring stories behind some of these swimmers (they were also featured in the paper over the past two weeks), and I, for one, can only marvel at what they achieve. Good luck to them all!
Guest 640- Registered: 21 Apr 2007
- Posts: 7,819
#15
Well said there Jim...
Here is a picture of one of those evenings in the Town Hall mentioned previously. Unfortunately its from quite a few years ago and I cant quite remember the chaps name..Murphy ??..champion channel swimmer, somebody will put me out of my misery. Bob Markham was Mayor and Lynn Young former Mayor also in shot. Plus wife of Mr...
Guest 720- Registered: 20 Jul 2011
- Posts: 114
#16
I suspect that's Kevin Murphy, and his wife Jane.
Guest 640- Registered: 21 Apr 2007
- Posts: 7,819
#17
Well done Jim - thats the very chap.
Will add his name to my picture files now for future reference.
Guest 653- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,540
#18
Kevin has made more (total) successful swims across the Channel than any other man; Mike Read has made more swims under the CSA and I believe is still classed as King of the Channel (to the CSA) but the CSPF say Kevin is.
Roger
Brian Dixon
- Location: Dover
- Registered: 23 Sep 2008
- Posts: 23,940
#19
time for a decider then,first one to touch french soil wins king of the channel.
Guest 653- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,540
#20
I'm not sure that Mike would attempt the Channel any more and Kevin had a damaged shoulder (not sure if it is O.K. now).
Roger
email: dover7@msn.com