Friends and friendships.

Morning all- today’s swim for me was all about friends and the friendships formed down with the B+B group. We had the memorial swim for Ed Selby who passed away from pancreatic cancer in October. His three sons paddled out into the bay with a circle of swimmers as they scattered his ashes. The Sandy Bottom Band played music for us, with Disco Inferno as a send off, as everyone returned to Manly Beach, what a sight that was! Thank you everyone who came together for Ed and pulled it off seamlessly.

One of Ed’s favourite sayings to me was “what a top group of people they are down there” and “where would I be without them?” He found himself surrounded by happy people, fun times and support when needed. We all get hit by hard times sooner or later unfortunately and he was terribly grateful for the group that banded around him in times of need. Not to mention the mad times over breakfast at Bluewater-we’ve all seen those photos from Elaine wearing green hats, eating green cakes and having a blast!

Morning view as I walked towards the surf club.

 

Jenny are I are old school friends reunited at the swim, she swims earlier than me and faster! The whole group does for that matter 🙂

 

These old friends got together for a group hug then a pose. We rarely see Nick and Sharnie these days, come back regularly you guys, miss your photos Nick.

 

Shaun doing his thing as management today, with Lis one of the 24 newbies.

 

Sandy Bottom Band at Shelly.

 

Early swimmers joining the 7am group for Ed’s farewell.

 

These guys looked like they were good mates.

 

Val and Jill are old school friends too.

 

 

 

Harrison, one of Ed’s sons, with a gardenia from Wendy, before heading into the bay.

 

These two wonderful girls are great friends too, Peta and Kerry 🙂

 

 

 

Ben a newbie from the UK loved his first swim.

 

Leveena and Margot often swim together and catch up when Margot visits from the mountains.

 

These newbies have the blog tarting business sorted already!!

 

this bloke tried to wear a snorkelling/helmet “thing” but ditched it quickly. I say just use the goggles and cap, can’t go wrong.

 

These guys are great mates to the point they swim a different route together and ditch the Manly-Shelly route. Ted’s triangle, yet to join that one!

 

So glad to see Ed’s sons today, Sam missing from this shot. Peta’s taking them all to play golf and have a bit of fun together.

 

A small portion of the WOW’s-another closely bonded group of friends.

 

Bill came down from the Central Coast for the memorial swim and chatted with Lisa afterwards.

 

If this last shot doesn’t bring a smile to your dial, something’s not right perhaps!

 

Enjoy your weekend and your friends everyone 🙂

Stats for today:

water temp: 20.9 degrees

new swimmers: 24!!!

attendance: 322 🙂

 

B&B Christmas Party – don’t miss out – BOOK EARLY

The B & B Christmas Party this year will be held on Tuesday 13th December at 6.30 pm in the Moonshine Bar (2nd Floor) at the Steyne Hotel. All swimmers and partners/friends are welcome (no under 18s unfortunately). The theme again this year is simply “Christmas”. So come dressed in your finest Christmas paraphernalia. Lots of fun and dancing are guaranteed, with music by a fantastic rock band “Gluteus Maximus”. The cost is $10 per head, with all proceeds going to the running costs of the B&B. Book HERE now! Don’t miss out on this fun event, numbers are limited.