There was a lot of excited anticipation this morning. We were going to be celebrating one of our great swimmers. Many would say, our number 1 swimmer! Cakes had been baked overnight, swim caps were rinsed, goggles cleaned and the celebratory hat and garland for brilliance were polished. So there was no doubt that this morning was all about John Bond. John is Number 1 on the leader board, and has just notched up his 4000km swim. Not only is John an amazing swimmer he is one of the kindest, sweetest, caring members of the Band B. He is always on the look out for swimmers who might be in a spot of difficulty and you know that if John is swimming it’s going to be a safe swim. But more about John to follow.
There was a lot of action at 6.30 – Paddlers and rowers heading out, rubber duckies waiting on the beach and swimmers managing to navigate their way through all the bustling activity.
Sarah, Cathie and Rusty heading down the ramp for the 6.30 swim
Followed by a group of about 45 other early swimmers
Such exuberance! Sarah is so excited about her swim
Martin and Michele
Shaun enjoyed his early morning swim
Annie and David
The man of the moment John Bond and his trusty side kick Dorset. For the 1 or 2 of you who don’t know John Bond, he is also known as our reliable water temperature monitor. A massive responsibility, especially as this winter there seemed to be a rumour going around that the thermometer was not as accurate as suggested. With the threat of dissention in the ranks, John remained a strong steady influence and was able to quell any grumblings.
Dorset, John Edwina and Maxine. Yes we see you Shelley!
But just in case, we definitely see you this time. I know you were unable to control your merriment being around such greatness.
Edwina with her new work mates. I initially thought that the film crew had been called in to document John’s big day. Maybe slightly over the top but why limit our expectations, I say!
Instead, they were here to film for a tv show. Edwina is working with them as part of the medical team. Great office today , Edwina!
Two newbies, Kelly and Tracey
Bergin, Bill, Terry, Amelia, Tracey and Kelly with baby Jack. Bill and Terry were babysitting whilst Amelia and Bergin took the girls for their first swim. I hope you had a fantastic swim.
Brian, Danny, Marco and Guy
Ingrid, Midge and Katrina with their support crew
Jo and Bianca who were trying to warm up after their 5.45 swim. Brrrr!
Amelia, Tracey, Kelly and Bergin
Shelley, Fi, Georgina and Melise, heading down for their 7 o’clock swim, closely followed by John and his entourage!
There was a lot of support for Johns big swim
These friends and sisters were so happy and looked so bright in their cossies. Im sorry I didn’t get your names girls but I hope you enjoyed your swim
John at The Point. Great muscle definition by the way John!!
As the team started arriving at Shelly there were many happy faces
Everyone gathered around John to congratulate him and wish him well
There was a lot of fun, laughter and arm waving
We all love John!
Completing his lap to reach 4000km
Fans, Greg and Inge prepare for Johns return to Manly
The crowd grows
The man of the moment arrives
And is cheered on by very excited swimmers all paying tribute to his great achievement
On the 29th June 2016 we celebrated John Bond reaching his 3000 kilometre mark. Today, a mere 16 months later he has notched up another 1000 km’s to reach an incredibly impressive 4,000 kilometres. Congratulations John! Your steadfast commitment and obvious enjoyment that you get from the swim makes you an example to us all.
Apart from the wonderful celebrations it was a beautiful swim. Clarity was pretty perfect, the 18.8 degree water was lovely and the calm seas made it an easy swim. After such a happy morning I hope everyone continues to enjoy their day
Lisa
Stats:
Water temp: 18.8
Swimmers: 145
Newbies: at least 2
Swimmers who have swum 4000km’s: 1
Monthly Dinner – 14th November 2017 – Guest Speaker
The final B&B monthly dinner for the year will be held on Tuesday 14th November at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant. The guest speaker on the night will be local Manly identity and B&B original, Isobel Kirk. Isobel is a renowned actress, a sought-after voice coach and entertaining raconteuse. With her perfect diction and precise elocution, she is eminently qualified to deliver her address entitled “Everyfink wot I know (and nuffink wot I don’t)”
The cost of the dinner is great value at only $25 a head, which includes shared entrees, and a selection of mains to choose from (including a vegetarian option). Glasses of beer or wine and desserts are also available at the special price of only $5 each. Numbers are limited, so bookings are essential: To avoid disappointment and secure your spot please book HERE.
Help country kids learn how to surf!
Each Wednesday in November and Thursdays in December we are looking for volunteers to help Royal Far West’s country kids learn how to surf. These children are from all over the state, for many of them it is their first time to Sydney and for most of them it will be the first time they have surfed! The age range is 9 years to 17 years. . The times are 4pm – 6pm once a week. If you can volunteer some afternoons in that time (it doesn’t have to be every week) please contact Anna Bowden on 89668597 or email annab@royalfarwest.org.au. A working with children check is required
30 comments
Anne
01/11/2017 at 1:55 pm
Wish I could have been there
JeffwithaJ
01/11/2017 at 1:57 pm
Great blog Lisa that captured a big moment in B&B history! Thank you.
Edwina Harrison
01/11/2017 at 1:58 pm
Oh Lisa I’m sure the crew will love being in a blog! I love that shot of John swimming, wow 😮👍
What a great collection of photos, congrats bondy 💕🐳
LSA aka HKTQ
01/11/2017 at 2:07 pm
Wow, you captured all the whole morning fun beautifully, Lisa! There was just so much activity on the beach this morning really early – amazing!
Congratulations 007! x
Lesbubs
01/11/2017 at 2:54 pm
Poor John has to work his butt off to hold that title .. I think all those desperate to topple him off the throne need to back off so the poor guy can go on holiday! 😜
rh
01/11/2017 at 3:18 pm
Good work, Lisa! 🙂
Lips
01/11/2017 at 3:31 pm
What a morning! Great work Lisa!
Has anyone started knitting John’s 4000km badge yet?
Shelley K
01/11/2017 at 3:41 pm
Best arch ever. You’re an inspiration Mr Bond
John
01/11/2017 at 4:02 pm
Thank you very much Lisa for your great blog today. You comprehensively captured the spirit of this morning’s swim in words and pictures.
Also thanks to all the wellwishers this morning and to those who brought cakes. That human arch seems to be getting longer.
See you down at the beach.
Lisa B
01/11/2017 at 4:46 pm
I felt a great responsibility to give John the credit he was due! Not quite as significant a moment as the first man on the moon…..but a very close 2nd.
Lisa B
01/11/2017 at 4:49 pm
It was so good seeing you down there with your crew this morning Ed. Shame you couldn’t swim but at least we could all catch up
Lisa B
01/11/2017 at 4:50 pm
Thanks Sarah, it’s so great having you back with us
Lisa B
01/11/2017 at 4:51 pm
Your concern is very touching Lesbubs. I’m sure John would appreciate a bit of a breather but I can’t see anyone giving him some slack
Lisa B
01/11/2017 at 4:52 pm
Thanks Roger
Lisa B
01/11/2017 at 4:53 pm
Not sure but we should maybe get them to make the 5000 km one at the same time
Lisa B
01/11/2017 at 4:55 pm
Pleasure John, you gave me a lot to blog about. I’ve spent the morning blogging and the afternoon exercising to try and work off all that delicious cake. It’s a good thing 4,000km doesn’t happen often!
Bernhard
01/11/2017 at 4:58 pm
Fabulous blog Lisa, commensurate with today’s main event (JB).
John, what an achievement, congrats. Even if I add my running k’s (including the full marathons) to my swim k’s, I can’t reach you by a country mile. You’re an inspiration to most of us.
Inge
01/11/2017 at 5:06 pm
CONGRATULATIONS JOHN! 4,000km swum and you are a B&B role model in every sense of the word. Keep swimming- you look the picture of health!
I adore the underwater pics of John Lisa and I am left wondering who enjoyed the 4,000km celebration more, John or his fan club?
Paul
01/11/2017 at 6:11 pm
Congrats, John.
I remember meeting you on my first B&B swim a couple of years ago and it was your encouragement that had me returning.
It’s been a pleasure to share a fraction of the k’s with you, except for one occasion when I tried to sprint past you toward the end on a harbour swim, only to crown myself on the stern of a moored boat.
Moral to the story: Never attempt to usurp the King. 🙂
Lisa B
01/11/2017 at 6:38 pm
I agree Inge, I think everyone enjoyed the fun.
Lisa B
01/11/2017 at 6:41 pm
Very wise words Paul. I think most of us have a John Bond swimming story. He has made a positive impact on many of us
Lisa B
01/11/2017 at 6:43 pm
Thanks Bernhard
Lainey Loo
01/11/2017 at 6:47 pm
Brilliant blog and great tribute to John, Lisa. Your blogs are a real treat 🙂
Suzie P
01/11/2017 at 6:49 pm
What a lovely, happy blog as usual Lisa! Love it! Huge congrats to the man of the moment. Inspiring stuff.
Michele Franks
01/11/2017 at 8:32 pm
Excellent blog Lisa you certainly captured John’s big moment.
Edwina Harrison
01/11/2017 at 9:15 pm
Yes Sunday we chat again
Georgina
01/11/2017 at 10:04 pm
Such a wonderful blog Lisa. Such an amazing tribute to our number 1. Congratulations JB xx
Fiona
02/11/2017 at 12:26 am
Great blog lisa, you captured the day beautifully!
Dilemma
02/11/2017 at 7:46 am
Congrats John B – you’re our number one!! You are so kind & caring to us all. Love the blog too Lisa 💋💋👍👍
Mike K
03/11/2017 at 8:14 am
Congratulations on an incredible 4000km achievement. You definitely embody the spirit of the B and B. My greatest admiration.
👌