It was a wonderful day at the Serps.
The deceiving blue sky tricking a few into dressing down, but the ominous frozen puddles gave away the true conditions.
There was ice about 40 yards from the board, so the distance of the race was shortened, with swimmers swimming to a marked turning point and then swimming back.
There were three races. Ian Stuttard won the first race, with amazing valour. He was so pleased as he has not won for years. Bill Deeley produced some thoughtful and most delectable and very generous prizes for the winner's table. Ian, with the impressive decision of a potential leader and future committee member, without a word quickly chose the bottle of rhenish, and disappeared into the crowd.
Rosie George informed us that the Egyptian ducklings had all died due to the weather. She said the only one left appeared very strong, but it was not to be. A momentous day for the club, but no one dared to suggest a minute's silence, black arm bands etc!!