The Year of the Iceberger 2020 Newsletters of the Brighton RBYC Icebergers
Edited by Ria Bleathman Cover photo credits: top row and second row left: David Brooks second row right and third row: Ria Bleathman
Preface
This book is a collection of the 2020 editions of the Iceberger News, the fortnightly newsletter issued by the Brighton Icebergers.
The Brighton Icebergers are cold water ocean swimmers and swim out of the Royal Brighton Yacht Club in Melbourne Australia.
Despite the difficult conditions during 2020, our stories gave resonance to the mantra that ‘We will prevail’ and thereby provided both a purpose and a connection for our members and others.
Ria Bleathman Editor, Iceberger News
Iceberger News 2020 Contributor's Index Edition Date Contributor Lead Photos Misc. Total Article 24/01/2020 Michael Lombard - Lorne Pier to Pub 1 1 2 24/01/2020 Les Finnis - Lorne Pier to Pub 1 1 24/01/2020 Ria Bleathman - Peter Everywhere 1 1 7/02/2020 Ken Broadhurst - Great Victorian Swim Series 1 2 3 7/02/2020 Ria Bleathman - Great Vic Swim, New Sub-Committee 2 2 4 7/02/2020 Sam Paynter - Honours for Ted Baillieu 1 1 7/02/2020 Simon Mezger 2 2 21/02/2020 Ria Bleathman - Pier to Perignon 1 2 3 21/02/2020 Peter Miglic - Dundonald 1 1 21/02/2020 Mel Kemp - Pier to Perignon 1 1 21/02/2020 Lou Lockwood - Refuse Art 5 1 6 5/03/2020 Ingilby Dickson - Portsea Swim Classic 1 1 2 5/03/2020 Keith Badger - Swimming Culture 1 1 5/03/2020 Fran Johnson - Portsea Swim Classic 1 1 2 5/03/2020 Mel Kemp - IGLA Games 1 1 5/03/2020 Ria - Iceberger Pairings 1 1 5/03/2020 Ken Broadhurst - Great Victorian Swim Series 1 1 2 20/03/2020 Gina - Great Victorian Swim Series 1 1 2 20/03/2020 Don Warner - Pirates V Icebergers 1 1 20/03/2020 Ross MacDowell - Pirates V Icebergers 1 1 20/03/2020 Fran Johnson - Rottnest Island Swim 1 2 3 20/03/2020 Amander Flaherty - Great Victorian Swim Series 1 1 3/04/2020 Ria Bleathman - Pandemics and Hope 1 2 3 3/04/2020 Ria Bleathman - Editor From Hell 1 1 3/04/2020 Ria Bleathman - Clans of Brighton 1 1 17/04/2020 Clifford Posner - Captains of Industry Group 1 1 17/04/2020 Paul Pascoe - Cold Water Dunking 1 1 17/04/2020 Ria Bleathman - How Cold Is That? 1 1 1/05/2020 Alistair Purvey - 7.30 Squad 1 1 2 1/05/2020 Janie Zacharin 1 1 1/05/2020 Simon Mezger - 6.15am Crew 1 1 1/05/2020 Mel Kemp 1 1 1/05/2020 Don Warner 1 1 1/05/2020 Suzy Calley 1 1 1/05/2020 Sam Paynter 1 1 15/05/2020 Doug Weir - 5.30am Group 1 1 15/05/2020 Gary Liddell - 5.30am Group 1 1 15/05/2020 David Tonkin - 5.30am Group 1 1 15/05/2020 Sam Paynter 1 1 15/05/2020 Simon Mezger 1 1 15/05/2020 Ria Bleathman - Love in the Age of Corona 1 4 1 6 15/05/2020 Jenny Vran 2 2
Lead Photos Misc. Total Edition Date Contributor Article 29/05/2020 Ria Bleathman - Canine Cup 1 1 29/05/2020 Sam Paynter 2 2 29/05/2020 Fran Johnson 1 1 29/05/2020 Michael Lombard 1 1 29/05/2020 Don Warner 1 1 29/05/2020 Ian Scholes 1 1 29/05/2020 Joe Tsalanidis 1 1 29/05/2020 Libby O'Farrell 1 1 29/05/2020 Sam Paynter 1 1 29/05/2020 John Philpot 1 1 29/05/2020 Jenny Vran 1 1 12/06/2020 Ian Serpless - High Performance Squad 1 1 2 12/06/2020 Don Warner 2 2 12/06/2020 Ria - Covid Days 13 1 14 26/06/2020 Kerry Watson - Consecutive Autumn swims 1 1 26/06/2020 Michael Conlan - Iceberger #100 1 1 26/06/2020 Ria Bleathman - Statistically Speaking 3 1 4 26/06/2020 Ria Bleathman - Solved by swimming 1 1 26/06/2020 Alistair Purvey - The Sir Michael Lombard 1 1 2 26/06/2020 David Brooks 1 1 9/07/2020 Ria Bleathman - The Chill of 2020 1 8 9 9/07/2020 Don Warner - Winter Pier to Pub 1 1 9/07/2020 Ingilby Dickson - Winter Pier to Pub 1 1 9/07/2020 Clive Fraser - First Year Winter Swimmer 1 1 23/07/2020 George Bogus - Interviews Ian Serpless 1 1 2 23/07/2020 Henry Mulholland - First Year Winter Swimmer 1 1 23/07/2020 Roy Norris - Letters to the Editor 1 1 23/07/2020 Keith Badger - The B Team 1 1 23/07/2020 Lou Lockwood 1 1 23/07/2020 Jenny Vran 1 1 23/07/2020 Ria Bleathman 3 3 6/08/2020 Rupert Hugh Jones - New Iceberger 1 1 6/08/2020 Ria Bleathman - Haiku #1-3 1 3 4 6/08/2020 Mel Kemp 1 1 6/08/2020 Steph Desira 1 1 6/08/2020 Jenny Vran 1 1 20/08/2020 Antony Lynch - First Year Winter Swimmer 1 1 2 20/08/2020 Ria Bleathman - Haiku #4-6 1 1 20/08/2020 Ingilby Dickson 1 1 20/08/2020 Clive Fraser 1 1 20/08/2020 Rupert Hugh-Jones 1 1 20/08/2020 Antony Lynch 1 1 20/08/2020 Ria - Yarra River Swimming 2 1 3 3/09/2020 George Bogus - Interviews Alistair Purvey 1 1 3/09/2020 Romney Jones - New Iceberger 1 1 2 3/09/2020 Ria Bleathman 1 1 3/09/2020 Peter Grosse - Iceberger Documentary 1 1 3/09/2020 Ria Bleathman - Haiku #7-9 1 1 3/09/2020 Ria Bleathman - Natation 1 1
Contributor Lead Photos Misc. Total Edition Date Article 17/09/2020 Tony Bond - First Year Winter Swimmer 1 1 2 17/09/2020 Andrew Rosengren - Hail Fran and Clive 1 1 17/09/2020 Ria Bleathman - Swimming without water 1 1 17/09/2020 Clive and Fran - In Their Element 1 1 17/09/2020 Doug Weir - Letters to the Editor 2 2 17/09/2020 Lou Lockwood 1 1 17/09/2020 Peter Maddison - Chocolate Royals 1 1 1/10/2020 Tim Hille - First Year Winter Swimmer 1 1 1/10/2020 Peter Grosse - New Iceberger Website 1 1 1/10/2020 Doug Weir - Letters to the Editor 1 1 1/10/2020 Ria - Julius Caesar Swims, Graffiterati 1 1 2 1/10/2020 Stephanie Desira 1 1 2 15/10/2020 George Bogus - Interviews Greg Kemp 1 1 2 15/10/2020 Ria Bleathman - Six Word Memoirs 1 1 15/10/2020 Alistair Purvey - Sir Michael Lombard Fly 1 1 15/10/2020 Stephanie Desira 1 1 2 15/10/2020 Ria Bleathman - AFL interrupted 1 1 15/10/2020 Ingilby Dickson 1 1 15/10/2020 Rupert Hugh-Jones 1 1 15/10/2020 Ria Bleathman 2 2 29/10/2020 Ria Bleathman - Kerry Watson Swims 1 1 2 29/10/2020 Ria Bleathman - uhtceare 1 1 29/10/2020 Sam Paynter 1 1 29/10/2020 Stephen Jones 1 1 29/10/2020 Michael Potter 1 1 29/10/2020 Ken Broadhurst 1 1 29/10/2020 Romney Jones 1 1 29/10/2020 David Sedgwick 1 1 29/10/2020 Ria Bleathman - Melbourne Cup Aquatic 1 1 29/10/2020 Sam Paynter 2 2 29/10/2020 Nick Desira 1 1 29/10/2020 Stephanie Desira 1 1 29/10/2020 Rupert Hugh Jones 1 1 29/10/2020 Jenny Vran 1 1 11/11/2020 Lou Lockwood - Poppies 1 1 2 11/11/2020 Ria Bleathman - Armistice and Swimming 1 3 4 11/11/2020 Ria Bleathman - Open Water Fears 1 1 11/11/2020 Ria Bleathman - Back at RBYC 4 4 11/11/2020 Rupert Hugh Jones 1 1 11/11/2020 Fran Johnson 1 1 11/11/2020 Michael Bruce 1 1 11/11/2020 Don Fisher 1 1 11/11/2020 Warren Fisher 1 1 11/11/2020 Russell Parrington 1 1 11/11/2020 Jenny Vran 1 1 11/11/2020 Peter Miglic 1 1
Contributor Lead Photos Misc. Total Edition Date Article 11/11/2020 Andrew Mulholland 1 1 11/11/2020 Peter Maddison 1 1 11/11/2020 Peter Grose 1 1 11/11/2020 Ria 2020202020 1 1 26/11/2020 Ria Bleathman - The Magnificent Seven 1 1 2 26/11/2020 Ria Bleathman - Collective Nouns 1 1 26/11/2020 Clifford Posner - Captains of Industry 1 1 26/11/2020 Jack Mordes - Letters to the Editor 1 1 26/11/2020 Ian Lynch - Letters to the Editor 1 1 26/11/2020 Stephanie Desira - Bookbergers 1 1 26/11/2020 Libby O'Farrell - Bookbergers 1 1 26/11/2020 John Scanlon - Strava Link 1 1 26/11/2020 Rupert Hugh-Jones 1 1 26/11/2020 Ria Bleathman 1 1 26/11/2020 Suzy Calley 1 1 26/11/2020 Jenny Vran 1 1 10/12/2020 Ria Bleathman - Doug Weir's 90th 1 5 6 10/12/2020 Alistair Purvey - Weir's Indispensable Fly 1 1 2 10/12/2020 David Tonkin - 5.30 Group 1 1 10/12/2020 Gary Liddell - 5.30 Group 1 1 10/12/2020 Doug Weir - Return Thanks 1 1 10/12/2020 Nick Desira - Brobdingnagian 2 2 10/12/2020 Alistair Purvey - Letters to the Editor 1 1 10/12/2020 Ria Bleathman - Letters to Editor 1 1 24/12/2020 Suzy Calley - Photo Of The Year 1 1 24/12/2020 Ria Bleathman - Photo Of The Year Assessment 1 1 24/12/2020 Ria - Kerry Watson's 285 swims 1 1 2 24/12/2020 Ria Bleathman - Our Year in Print 1 1 24/12/2020 Ria Bleathman - The Great Wave 1 1 2 24/12/2020 Ingilby Dickson - Dolphin at Anglesea 2 2 24/12/2020 Sam Paynter - P2P 2021 link 1 1 24/12/2020 Ross MacDowell - Olsen Hooper Cup 1 1 24/12/2020 David Brooks - Olsen Hooper Cup 1 1 24/12/2020 Sam Paynter - Olsen Hooper Cup 1 1 31/12/2020 Ria Bleathman - Year of the Iceberger MMXX 39 39 Total 44 198 63 305
Melbourne’s year round open water swimming group Iceberger News for 24th January 2020
Editorial Note Welcome to the first edition of Iceberger News under our swimming bear masthead. Our lead article in this edition is about the Lorne Pier to Pub swim from Michael Lombard. Michael proves his writing is an apt metaphor for his swimming – smooth as silk! Please keep sending me your articles and suggestions about our aquatic lives. I have included a new section called Miscellanies which enables us to provide commentary on other aspects of our unique club. Ria.
Lorne Pier to Pub held on 11th January 2020 – Michael Lombard Conditions were “Made to Order “ for the Icebergers who made the trip to Lorne for the annual summer Pier to Pub 1.2Km swim. The wind was blustery and the swell strong which caused concern for the “pool” swimmers but not the Iceberger crew having experienced much rougher and colder conditions than those presented on 11th January.
Although not as “social” as the Anglesea swim, where the Garry Johnson marquee provides canapés and strict security, Lorne is regarded by some as the State Open Water championships. Olympian Mack Horton was a notable attendee. This was the 40th year of the sold-out event with 5,000 competitors.
The swim was of special significance to Iceberger Les Finnis (pictured) who swam his 35th race. Seasoned observers believed he looked in the same physical condition as when he swam his first!
Iceberger Les Finnis (pictured left) before the race with his cheer-squad, daughter Charlotte.
In recognition of the special anniversary, RBYC ambassador Don Warner (pictured left) wore the same wetsuit in which he finished 2nd, 25 years before. A lovely gesture.
Iceberger News 24th January 2020
Icebergers were well represented by Ken Broadhurst (6th in age group, after navigation advice) and Lisa Gulikers (6th without wetsuit in age group). Former Iceberger Sue Crow won her age group for the 5th time. Sue is unassuming and tries to keep a low profile which is extremely difficult with her husband, former Essendon/Footscray/St Kilda ruckman Max, towering above the crowd, holding her towel.
A number of elite Iceberger legends decided to “skip” this year’s event including John Olsen, Ingilby Dickson, Melinda Kemp and Terry Fox. Rumours circulated that they were turning their attention towards Tokyo in July!
Thank you, Michael, for your contribution to this edition.
*
Apart from Les, notable milestones were also achieved by Icebergers Don Warner who participated in his 32nd swim, Ted Baillieu his 31st and Brett Davis his 20th. Congratulations to Les, Don, Ted and Brett.
Other Icebergers who participated in the swim included Gary Finnis, Gary March, Russell Parrington, Paul O’Connor, Bill Craig, Stephen Jones and Fran Johnson.
Our next lead article writer will be Ken Broadhurst who will be providing us with an update on the Great Victorian Swim Series.
Miscellanies - Ria Bleathman
My first few months swimming with the Icebergers, I became intrigued by the everywhere-ness of club member called ‘Peter’. He was the one to whom members always referred – ‘ask Peter’ or ‘oh that’s for Peter’ or ‘Peter knows that/swum that/been there/done that’. Who was this veritable Peter The Great?
This rather perplexing issue has now been put to rest after a quick review of the Iceberger member’s list. There are, in fact, nine Icebergers who are called Peter. Peter-everywhere is not one person but quite a few of them as it turns out and all well-deserving of the moniker ‘Great’. We also have seven Davids, seven Johns as well as five Roberts, five Michaels, four Ians and four Garys.
So when we might ask who is swimming this morning? if the answer is ‘Peter or John or David, or all three’, we can be forgiven for thinking the group could be somewhere between 1 and 23!
Interestingly, there are no female members with repeating names apart from a close Sue [Semmens] and a Suzy [Calley].
The members list also includes some members with water-related names such as Brooks [David], Weir [Doug], Fawcett [Glenn] and, geographically speaking, The Don [Warner] for The Don rivers (in The Volga, Ontario, Yorkshire, Scotland and Devonport) and Ria [Bleathman] a ria being a long, partially submerged river valley.
Whilst we have craft professions such as a potter [Michael], a fisher [Don/Warren], a miller [Andrew], two paynters [Sam, Matthew] and a hooper [Rob] we do not have any smiths.
Iceberger News 24th January 2020
Melbourne’s year round open water swimming group Iceberger News for 7th February 2020
From the Editor: Welcome to the 7th February 2020 edition of Iceberger News. Our lead article is an update on Iceberger Ken Broadhurst’s Great Victorian Swim Series campaign for 2019/20. There is also an article on governance and although not as exciting as Ken’s open water achievements it is no less important for our club. We also note a remarkable terra-firma achievement for Iceberger Ted Baillieu AO. Congratulations to all. Ria Bleathman
The Great Victorian Swim Series 2019/20 – With Iceberger Ken Broadhurst
Iceberger Ken Broadhurst is well known for his regular podium placements in the annual Great Victorian Swim Series. The series comprises ten races in various age-groups and distances around the Victorian coastline. The series commences with Race 1 at Williamstown in December and concludes with Race 10 in late February with the HMB Cerberus swim followed by presentations for the fastest swimmers. Ken finished third overall in the series last year.
Ken swims his races in a “go fast wetsuit” and started his 2019/20 campaign with Race 2 at Point Leo on Boxing Day finishing in second place. In Race 3, at Torquay, Ken finished fourth in his age group in the Danger 1000 swim and in Race 4 he was third-placed in the Rip View Swim at Point Lonsdale.
Ken was unable to make the next three races due largely to him pulling a calf-muscle at the Portsea Classic swim. Race 8 was the Mt Martha Australia Day swim where he finished fourth despite being unable to run due to his calf-muscle injury. Ken is currently in fifth position overall in the series.
Ken now needs to complete the two remaining races in February to make the required minimum of six races to qualify. Ken’s biggest challenge however is to overcome his serious calf injury but he believes he should “finish the series in style” as he is “being treated by the world’s best osteopath in Hampton”.
Ken on the right Race 4 Point Lonsdale Ken on the left Race 2 Point Leo Photos: Simon Mezger
Our best wishes for Ken (and his osteopath) for the remainder of the series. We look forward to seeing a podium photo in the next edition of Iceberger News.
Thank you, Ken for your contribution to Iceberger News (and Simon Mezger for the photos).
Iceberger News 7th February 2020
Miscellanies – Iceberger Sub Committee - by Ria Bleathman
Peter Strain, the Vice Commodore of the RBYC, invited the Iceberger Sub-Committee to the clubrooms on Wednesday 29th January 2020 to pay tribute to those Icebergers retiring from the Sub- Committee and to welcome both the remaining and the three newly-appointed members.
Retiring types LtoR: Michael Bruce, Jenny Vran, Keith Current Sub-Committee LtoR: Peter Grose and Suzy Calley, Badger, Alistair Purvey Ingilby Dickson, Ross Peter Strain (RBYC) and new members Natalie Sparkman, MacDowell and Don Warner Jack Hawkins and Ria Bleathman.
The Vice Commodore spoke appreciatively about the importance of the Icebergers to the culture and character of the RBYC and emphasised how the Icebergers enhance the RBYCs values of diversity and inclusiveness. On behalf of all Icebergers, thank you to Peter and to the RBYC.
The Iceberger Sub-Committee is the governance forum through which we manage our Duty of Care, safety and risk responsibilities and to meet our financial and fiduciary accountabilities as part of the broader RBYC General Committee. Other responsibilities of the Sub-Committee include organising our annual swimming events, merchandising, the Iceberger Honour Board and preparing the Iceberger News.
On behalf of all Icebergers thank you to those departing Sub-Committee members for the time and effort you have given to the club which enables us to enjoy the daily freedoms of ocean swimming.
Ted Baillieu AO Iceberger Ted Baillieu AO was the 2020 recipient of the Officer of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to the people and Parliament of Victoria, particularly as Premier, and to international engagement.
Ted was the 46th Premier of Victoria but is known amongst the Iceberger fraternity as the joint founder of the Pier to Perignon (P2P) 4.5km ocean swim from Sorrento Pier to Portsea Pier. Ted has completed thirty P2P swims along with the joint founder, good friend and fellow Iceberger Robbie Robertson.
The next Iceberger News will include a commentary on this much-anticipated P2P swim which has grown from its humble beginnings in 1989 as a ‘place to place swim for mates’ to today’s iconic swim with a sell-out field of 800 swimmers.
Iceberger Diary Dates
Date Event 16th February 2020 Pier to Perignon Swim – Sorrento to Portsea Pier 21st February 2020 Iceberger Keith Badger FORUM DINNER MEETING at RBYC to talk about his 2801km walk from the top of the UK at John O’Groats to Lands’ End in Cornwall in the south.
Iceberger News 7th February 2020
Iceberger News 21st February 2020 Editor: Ria Bleathman
Melbourne’s year-round open water swimming group
32nd Pier to Perignon - 16th February 2020 - by Ria Bleathman with Peter Miglic
The 4.5km Pier to Perignon swim was founded in 1989 by two Icebergers, Ted Baillieu and Robbie Robertson, who wagered a bottle of Dom Pérignon for the winner of a swim between Sorrento and Portsea piers. Today, the race organisers still award a bottle of Dom Pérignon to first-placed swimmers in various categories.
This year Ted completed his 31st swim (plus one winter swim) whilst Robbie completed his 32nd.
The distinctly Iceberger-character of this swim is enhanced by the generosity and hospitality of Iceberger Garry Johnson who provides drinks and gourmet snacks afterwards. This year Icebergers and friends joined Garry and his family at Dundonald in celebrating our shared love of swimming in a special part of the world.
Legends: Ted Baillieu and Garry Johnson
Iceberger Peter Miglic shares his memories of Dundonald:
…when David Boykett, the previous owner and a teacher at Scotch College, extended the same spirit and passion for the beautiful coastline around Portsea. Each year over the Christmas holidays he arranged for a group of about 20 kids to come down and camp in his backyard for a week over summer.
The group would dive at the back-beach, night dive, spearfish, swim and boat with a small tent city centred around a camp-fire out the back behind an old rickety shed off Relph Avenue.
This was a time before the safety-waiver and parental-hovering and when school holidays seemed to last forever. They were great days, sometimes risky and certainly memorable, and all borne of the same generous spirit that Garry and his family have in sharing their home with the Icebergers for the Pier to Perignon after-party.
Garry’s daughter and son-in-law hosted the after-party at their property, Dundonald, at Portsea.
At left, Garry flanked by his daughters Adele (R) and daughter and hosts Monique (L) and son-in-law Jeremy King
To complete the Iceberger-inspired celebration, professional catering was provided by Iceberger Ken Broadhurst and his wife Kate.
21st February 2020 RBYC Melbourne Australia
This year’s Pier to Perignon swim saw Iceberger Lucas Tucker continue to enhance his Bradman-esque record in these events by finishing in second place from a competitive field of 800 swimmers whilst Iceberger Ingilby Dickson finished in eleventh position.
The first female Iceberger across the line was Mel Kemp whose regular swim results are also worthy of Bradman-esque metaphors, whilst the second female Iceberger was Fran Johnson. Mel said after her swim: “I actually finished behind my daughter, Anna, who was the 8th female to finish”.
Miscellanies - Lou Lockwood, Detritus Delightus
Unknown to some of us, Iceberger Lou Lockwood does more than just focus on bilateral breathing, stroke efficiency and the flutter-kick during her daily swims, she also collects discarded objects from the sea floor.
Lou amasses abandoned lures, plastics, driftwood, shells, sinkers, bottle tops, corks, cigarette butts and all manner of discarded ocean detritus (Left) and turns them into outstanding works of art (Right and below).
Lou’s creations are part of a specialist artistic genre called Recycled Art which is shared by some exalted company such as artists Pablo Picasso and Marcel Duchamp, a founder of Dadaism, who both used found objects in their art works.
Thank you, Lou, for sharing your talent créatif with your fellow Icebergers. Iceberger Mum by Tom Lockwood
Iceberger Calendar
Date Event 21st February 2020 Iceberger Keith Badger FORUM DINNER MEETING at RBYC to talk about his 2801km walk from the top of the UK at John O’Groats to Lands End in Cornwall in the south. 29th February 2020 Iceberger sub-committee meeting at RBYC. All welcome. 9am start. 29th March 2020 Pirates versus Icebergers 29th May 2020 RBYC Icebergers vs Yachties 'Olympic-themed' Trivia Night – Quizmaster Don Warner tbc Winter Pier to Pub at Lorne tbc Heavyweight plus Chief of the Channel at RBYC tbc Olsen Hooper Cup and Iceberger Breakfast at RBYC
21st February 2020 RBYC Melbourne Australia
Iceberger News 5th March 2020 Editor: Ria Bleathman
Melbourne’s year-round open water swimming group
Lead Articles International Gay and Lesbian Aquatics (IGLA) - Melbourne 20th - 25th February 2020 The annual IGLA games were recently held in Melbourne and this year’s games included 2.5km and 5km open water swims at Williamstown for both IGLA and non-IGLA participants.
Icebergers Mel Kemp and Esther McConnell won their respective age groups in the 2.5km open water event whilst Iceberger, and English Channelleer, Don Riddington ‘beat his age’ by finishing 63rd overall.
Mel said “It was a fabulous meet with superb organisation and a warm inclusive atmosphere. The Opening Ceremony was sensational and starred three Priscillas. Our goodies bag included 3 condoms but no other latex objects……”.
It’s Ken Again…!
Following on from our article on Iceberger Ken Broadhurst’s 2019/20 Great Victorian Swim Series campaign (refer Iceberger News 7th February 2020), we can report that Ken was placed second in each of the final two races in his age group thus clinching a shared third place overall in the Series.
Congratulations Ken. Placing third after overcoming your strained calf muscle is a tribute to both you and “the world’s best osteopath in Hampton”.
At Left: Iceberger Ken Broadhurst pictured far left after his 2nd placing in the Brighton Beach Bathing Box swim.
Portsea Swim Classic – 18th January 2020
Other notable Iceberger-bucket list swims over summer was the Portsea Swim Classic (1.5km) on 18th January 2020m when Iceberger Ingilby Dickson came second in his age group just pipping Iceberger Chris Yencken who finished in third (at Left). Iceberger Fran Johnson finished second in her age group for female swimmers (Right). Icebergers Ingilby Dickson (L) Icebergers Fran Johnson (L) and and Chris Yencken (R). Chris Yencken also swam in the Gold 2.5km event. Ingilby Dickson (R).
Miscellanies Open Water Swimming - What Binds Us - by Keith Badger The following piece of wisdom was written by somebody I've never met but, as a member of one of the many ocean swimming groups around the country, and the thousands of such groups around the world, I feel an essential bond of comradeship with him. When I read this piece, it seemed to go to the essence of what my 25 years swimming with the Icebergers has been all about. I hope it resonates with all Icebergers for, if it does, then our group will continue to thrive.
5th March 2020 RBYC Melbourne Australia
The main characteristic of our early morning swims is that it has no structure...it’s all just so absolutely informal…it has no form; there is nothing tangible to give it substance – no constitution, no agenda, no central authority, no dominating bullies or blowhards. Its “substance”, its beauty, lies in this “insubstance”; this informality…and is a crucially important part of the daily lives, and the well-being, of an enormous number of people. But the early morning swims are not the be all and end all of it. The swimming is merely the catalyst for [everything else] that goes on around it: the personal interactions, the tensions, the triumphs; the searches for the perfect cuppa; the formation of friendships; the sharing of celebrations and tragedies. The swimming is the entree to all of this. Iceberger Pairings – by Ria Bleathman One of many delightful aspects of our club is the notable pairings between Icebergers, some of which I have recorded as follows:
Icebergers Beyond Blue Swim – Sunday 3rd May 2020 On Sunday 3rd May 2020, the Icebergers annual Beyond Blues charity swim will be held at RBYC starting with a briefing for swimmers at 7.30am.
This event was established in 2015 by Icebergers David Tonkin, Alistair Purvey, Peter Homann and Keith Badger and has been held every year since. Last year’s event raised $10,000 from an auction of donated items which included: gourmet homemade foods, vouchers, fine wines, weekend breaks, concerts, memberships, golf and sporting items.
The auction will take place after the swim at Keith and Debby Badger’s property at 336 New Street Brighton together with a complimentary breakfast. Please contact either David, Alistair, Peter, or Keith to discuss your ideas for a possible donation which can be made any time from now.
Iceberger Calendar Date Event 29th March 2020 Pirates versus Icebergers – Port Phillip Bay Challenge Cup - swim briefing at 8am at RBYC. Breakfast in the Member’s Lounge after the swim. 3rd May 2020 Beyond Blue Charity Event – 7.30am swimmer’s briefing at RBYC followed by auction and complimentary breakfast at Keith and Debby Badger’s property 336 New St Brighton. 29th May 2020 Trivia Night at RBYC Icebergers vs Yachties – Quizmaster Don Warner
5th March 2020 RBYC Melbourne Australia
Iceberger News 20th March 2020 Editor: Ria Bleathman
Melbourne’s year-round open water swimming group
Lead Article
30th Rottnest Channel Swim 19.7km on 22nd February 2020 – by Fran Johnson
Iceberger Fran Johnson successfully completed this year’s Rottnest Island swim in her team of four called ‘The Invaders’. Fran shares her experience with us:
Entering the water at 7:10am my first task was to find our paddler and support boat. Swimmers cannot proceed beyond the mother ship STS Leeuwin anchored 1,500m out unless they are accompanied by both paddler and boat. It’s quite a spectacle in that there are 1,000 boats looking for 1,000 paddlers who, in turn, are trying to locate 1,000 swimmers.
Our race strategy was swim changeover times of a nominal 5 minutes amounting to about 60 changeovers during the swim with each swimmer having roughly 15 legs of 300m.
There were no shark sightings this year and relatively few stingers. Weather conditions were favourable although the sea conditions for the first 15km were very ‘lumpy’. A cross-current affected the latter stages of the course. Water temperature was 23C.
It amazes me how a few teams who are alongside you at the 1km mark can remain within 10 – 20m for the entire 19.7km.
For the final 700m or so, all team members re-enter the water and swim together to the finish. The Invaders were greeted at the finish with a large digital display indicating that we had won the 250+ aggregate age category to much joy and merriment. However, it transpired that the 250+ age group had been discontinued this year so we were relegated to 3rd in the 200+ aggregate age category. Our time for the 20km swim was 6 hours 36 minutes 18 seconds.
For those contemplating a Rotto Swim, either solo, duo or as a team, my advice is: Do it!
Left: Pre-race sunset. Where big sky meets the horizon lies Rottnest Island. So far away.
Right: The Invaders -Veni, Vidi, Vici - Fran is third from the left.
20th March 2020 RBYC Melbourne Australia
Great Victorian Swim Series 2019/20 – Gina Harris and Amander Flaherty
The Great Victorian Swim Series for 2019/20 has concluded with a presentation function held on 15 March 2020 at the Brighton Beach Bowls Club.
This is the 15th year of the series, which was founded by Iceberger Gina Harris, who continues to organise and manage the series each year along with Iceberger Amander Flaherty.
At left, Icebergers Gina Harris (L) and Amander Flaherty (R).
The series is ‘a not for profit’ volunteer-run venture now approaching its 10th year in the present format. The series links ten of Victoria’s open water swims run by local surf lifesaving clubs as their major fundraising event during the summer season. The series also aims to increase awareness of the benefits of swimming as well as to promote health and wellbeing in the community - all for a worthy cause.
This years’ series was another Iceberger favourite with participation by many Icebergers including Lou Lockwood, Janie Zacharin, Amander Flaherty, Gina Harris, Robert Robertson, Lisa Gulikers, Ken Broadhurst, Chris Yencken, Suzy Calley, Garry Johnson, Melinda Kemp, Don Warner, Don Riddington and Michael Lombard.
Icebergers Lisa Gulikers, Ken Broadhurst, Don Riddington, Melinda Kemp, Fran Johnson and Esther McConnell received awards at the presentation dinner for placings in their respective age groups.
Miscellanies
Pirates Versus Icebergers – from Ross MacDowell
The Icebergers and the Pirates compete annually for the Port Phillip Bay Challenge Cup perpetual trophy. This event has been contested between the two clubs since 2007. Pirates host the event on the odd- numbered years whilst Icebergers host the even-numbered years. The Pirates are the current trophy holders.
The Pirates originally swam from the car park at Frankston. The first year they swam at Brighton, the Pirates were gobsmacked by the luxury of the yacht club prompting Rob Coulson to remark it was “great to swim at a venue where the hubcaps would still be on your car when you returned after your swim!”. Honours between the two clubs are about even although the Pirates have dominated in recent years.
This year’s event, planned to take place on Sunday 29th March 2020, has been postponed due to the current concerns with the Coronavirus and the requirements for social distancing and gatherings. All Iceberger swim events will be reviewed as developments with the virus occur.
Iceberger Calendar
Date Event 29th March 2020 Pirates versus Icebergers – Port Phillip Bay Challenge Cup. EVENT POSTPONED. 3rd May 2020 Beyond Blue Charity Event – 7.30am swimmer’s briefing at RBYC followed by auction and complimentary breakfast at Keith and Debby Badger’s property 336 New St Brighton. 29th May 2020 Trivia Night at RBYC Icebergers vs Yachties – Quizmaster Don Warner
20th March 2020 RBYC Melbourne Australia
Iceberger News 3rd April 2020 Editor: Ria Bleathman
Melbourne’s year-round open water swimming group
Lead Article - Pandemics and Hope by Ria Bleathman During these disruptive times, history provides both precedents and hope for what we are experiencing. In 1666 England was wracked by the Great Plague, The Great Fire of London and the destruction of the English Fleet by the Dutch during the Second Anglo-Dutch War.
But it was also the year a young Isaac Newton (later Sir), during a period of self-isolation from the Great Plague, observed a falling apple to conceive the theory of gravity as well as theories on differential calculus, motion and optics. It was also the time when the great diarist Samuel Pepys chronicled daily life in plague-ridden London which became a definitive reference for future historians. Daniel Defoe was similarly influenced by the Great Plague to conceive his novel about enforced isolation (for 28 years, two months and 19 days to be precise) of his semi-fictional character Robinson Crusoe.
After the Great Fire, London was re-built giving full expression to the momentous and epoch-defining architecture of Christopher Wren (later Sir) and the British navy was completely redeveloped which became the enabler for the era of global exploration and the Industrial Revolution a century later.
So the precedent of 1666 is that, despite great disruptions, the seeds for establishing a new and better world are sown. The year 1666 has since been designated Annus Mirabilis - The Year of Wonders.
So, fellow Icebergers, let’s look for the metaphorical falling apple as a sign for us to think about how we can be part of a better world once this pandemic has passed.
Miscellanies - The Clans of Brighton The Iceberger Club is comprised of many smaller swim groups, each with a nuanced approach to how they experience the joy of open water swimming. These groups typically have a notional ‘leader’ around whom the group coalesces. Some of these groups have existed for decades and are an important part of the character of our club.
In future editions, I will be providing a commentary on the traditions of each of these groups and how each is managing during this period of social distancing, restrictions on gatherings and beach closures.
Iceberger Swimming Group Usual Swimming Traditions @ RBYC 1. Captains of Industry Every Wednesday at 12.30pm. Occasionally on Monday and Wednesday. Group includes Clifford Posner, John Tregaskis. 2. The 7.30 Squad Every day at 7.30am. Group includes Alistair Purvey, Michael Conlan, David Sedgwick. 3. The B Team Every day between 6.00am-6.30am. Group includes Peter Homan, Peter Court, Leigh Betts. 4. Royal Team Every Tuesday and Thursday at 6.45am. Weekends at 7.30am. Group includes Peter Madison, Michael Lombard, Zoe Francis. 5. Figgies Every day. 6.30am weekdays and 7am weekends. Enter via pier. Group includes Ian Serpless, Cameron Owens, Lance Coughlan. 6. Seven Heaven Every day 7am +/- other times agreed via What’s App. Group includes John Philpott, Lou Lockwood, Kathy Roberts.
3rd April 2020 RBYC Melbourne Australia
Iceberger News Editorial Policy – by Ria Bleathman
The Editor from Hell By now you would have realized, That I’m editing the News. Cutting, pasting, grammar And soothing different views.
But it’s all about the word-count That’s my new intensity. So-much-so it has become A type of O-C-D.
The major News restriction Is for two full pages - max. Otherwise Yours Truly Shall swing the word-count axe.
Each and every story Shall be two hundred words or less. Lincoln used as many In his Gettysburg Address.
Word-count, word-count, word-count, Draft and draft again. Word-count, word-count, word-count Two hundred is my Zen.
Deadlines, deadlines, deadlines. I need to write the News. Deadlines, deadlines, deadlines, Slight madness thus ensues.
Splitting those infinitives And commas lost from sight. Colons mixed with semis, For me is kryptonite.
Loquacity, verbosity Are traits we should avoid, But send it to me anyway I am not at all annoyed.
Coz I really like to edit, As some of you can tell, And I slowly start to Jekyll-ise As The ‘Editor from Hell’.
Word count: 165 ✓
3rd April 2020 RBYC Melbourne Australia
Iceberger News 17th April 2020 Editor: Ria Bleathman
Melbourne’s year-round open water swimming group
Lead Article - by Paul Pascoe, RBYC Commodore I am regularly invited to join the Icebergers for a morning swim. However I politely decline citing ‘doctor’s orders’. This is due to a little incident a couple of years ago which is recounted as follows.
Members had donated some Quest dinghies and people thought it would be a great idea for some of the Flag Officers to go out sailing in the new boats. The Club Captain and I were having a delightful sail when we capsized and were both suddenly dunked in the cold waters of the Bay.
The shock of the cold water sent me loopy and I suffered memory loss. When I was brought to shore, I didn’t recognise anyone at the club and couldn’t remember anything new for the next 24 hours. I also have a gap of about four hours in which I have no memory at all. I spent two nights in hospital.
So thank you for your invitations to join you for a swim but under ‘doctor’s orders’ I shall be watching the Icebergers from the safety of the deck.
Miscellanies - How Cold is That? by Ria Bleathman The article by Commodore Paul Pascoe highlights the differences in how each of us measure Cold Water. Whilst Icebergers are agreed that we are Cold Water Temperature C˚ % of Respondents swimmers, we are not necessarily agreed on a <22.5 17 standard measure of Cold Water. <20.0 15 <17.5 24 Open water swimmers were recently surveyed as to <15.0 20 what temperature they considered water to be ‘Cold’. <12.5 14 The results (right) were varied and ultimately <10.0 7 <5.0 0 inconclusive. Source: Lone Swimmer FINA, under its Cold Water Policy, specifies that when the water temperature falls below 18°C degrees, wetsuits must be worn and below 16°C degrees, their events are cancelled.
Another semi-official measure is the diagnostic term called ‘Cold Water Shock’ which occurs at a water temperature of 15°C or below and is the point at which the human body starts to shut-down as a response to extreme cold.
The Germans have a precise and very descriptive word for that cold-water-feeling called Intimbereichsverkrampfung which translates to a reluctance to enter cold water felt progressively at each erogenous zone.
James Joyce, in his literary masterpiece Ulysses, described the Cold Water in Dublin Bay as the snotgreen… scrotumtightening sea. These words are often quoted as examples of Joyce’s brilliance and inventive use of language.
Another measure of Cold Water is the ‘Brass Monkey Index’ which refers to Cold Water that could freeze the tail, nose and ears off a brass monkey. The phrase originates from nineteenth-century Chinese brass figurines of the ‘three wise monkeys’ as an image of something so solid that only the extremities can be affected by severe cold.
17th April 2020 RBYC Melbourne Australia
An Iceberger provided his rule-of-thumb measure of Cold Water as being that moment when he is unable to accurately pronounce ‘preposterous’ whilst another Iceberger said that his measure of Cold Water is the point at which he is unable to accurately count backwards from one hundred.
There is also the unofficial Pughian scale, so named after the extreme ice swimmer, South African Lewis Pugh, who has swum in water as cold as -1C. Although testing the Pughian scale is not something many of us would necessarily warm to.
Miscellanies – The Clans of Brighton - Captains of Industry by Clifford Posner The traditions of our swimming groups are somewhat ‘pandemic-adjusted’ these days but it is important to record these traditions in the expectation they will soon be resumed. One such group is the Captains of Industry. Iceberger Clifford Posner continues the commentary: Prior to the pandemic restrictions, our group swam every Wednesday leaving the changerooms at 12.30pm, never earlier and never later, a founding rule strictly adhered to. The Captains Of Industry group was started by John Locco and several others in the early 2000’s.
The swim goes back to the era when those in the economy who could take time off work for a game of golf on a Wednesday afternoon were called the ‘captains of industry’ and the rest of the general populace, well they had to work! Hence the name. Our group is a mixed bag of workers, retirees, self- employed and any Iceberger who needed a lunchtime swim to re-set themselves.
The Captains continue to swim but at different times and often solo to maintain social distancing due to the ‘rona. We use the outside showers or hose now that the RBYC changerooms are closed. Our swimming continues but not so much our traditions until we return to normality!
More Iceberger Clans - Since our story about the Clans of Brighton (refer News 3rd April 2020) two more groups have been added to our list - the 5.30am Clan and Eight is isoleight. The complete list is:
Iceberger Clan Swimming Traditions – prior to Covid19 restrictions 1. Captains of Industry Every Wednesday at 12.30pm. Occasionally on Monday and Wednesday. Includes Clifford Posner, John Tregaskis. 2. The 7.30 Squad Every day at 7.30am. Motto: the squad waits for no-one. Includes Alistair Purvey, Michael Conlan, David Sedgwick. 3. The B Team Every day between 6.00am-6.30am. Includes Peter Homan, Peter Court, Leigh Betts. 4. Royal Team Every Tuesday and Thursday at 6.45am. Weekends at 7.30am. Includes Peter Madison, Michael Lombard, Zoe Francis. 5. 5.30 Clan Every day at 5.30am. Opening the gym/locker room and recording daily water and air temperatures. Includes Doug Weir, Gary Liddell, David Tonkin. 6. Figgies Everyday setting WRs and PBs at 6.30am. Weekends at 7am. Includes Ian Serpless, Cameron Owens, Lance Coughlan, Ken Broadhurst. 7. Seven Heaven Every day 7am +/- other times agreed via What’s App. Includes John Philpott, Lou Lockwood, Kathy Roberts, Jenny Vran. 8. Eight is isoleight Every Sunday at 8am. Formerly Eight is Great, replaced with ‘isoleight’ to acknowledge self-isolating guidelines. No elected leader. A true democracy. Includes Andrew Rosengren, Nick Desira, Fran Johnson, Stephanie Desira.
The stories of our swimming groups will serve as a snapshot of the pre-Covid19 traditions of the Brighton Icebergers. Closed beaches, shuttered clubrooms, social distancing and groups limited to two only, have scattered Icebergers to different locations and different times for our daily swims. Some are unable to swim at all. Nevertheless, our strong culture, exemplified by these traditions, will prevail and, in the words of our sovereign, ‘We’ll meet again’.
17th April 2020 RBYC Melbourne Australia
Iceberger News 1st May 2020 Editor: Ria Bleathman
Melbourne’s year-round open water swimming group
Lead Article – The Clans of Brighton – The 7.30 Squad by Alistair Purvey Another swimming group within our club is the 7.30 Squad led by Iceberger Alistair Purvey. The 7.30 Squad was formed in 2010 and was originally called the Self-Funded Retirees and Others group, or SFRO for short. Alistair takes up the story: The 7.30 Squad has a captain and a sub-committee of one. Prior to the pandemic we swam every morning leaving the change rooms at exactly 7-29 a.m. and entering the water at 7-30 a.m. Our motto is: “The Squad waits for no one”.
The original members were myself, John Dineen, Michael Conlan, Greg Kemp, Ian Scholes, David Sedgwick, David Urquhart and Michael Potter.
David Sedgwick is our earliest Iceberger, he began swimming at the Baths in 1950.
The 7-30 Squad has never cancelled a morning swim, no matter what the conditions were like.
Our regular morning swim is a BEACH TRIANGLE starting at the beach, swim to Dineen’s Pole, Pensioner’s Pole (2) and a The 7.30 Squad - Melbourne Weekly beach finish. 21st September 2011
Occasionally we will swim on the outside leading up to the Olsen Hooper Race and Winter Classic Races in which the 7-30 squad has had success over the years.
We are still swimming despite the current restrictions and the Clubhouse in lockdown. We enter and exit the water at the beach in pairs and observe social distancing even in the water. We sometimes also enter and exit via the Middle Brighton Pier to spread the crowd. The only problem is we might be mistaken for Figgies who also swim from the pier.
Imagine anyone in the 7-30 Squad being mistaken for a Figgie!
More Iceberger Clans - Since our story about the Clans of Brighton (refer News 3rd April 2020) another group has been added to our list - the 6.15am crew. Their details are as follows:
9. The 6.15 crew Pre-pandemic - every weekday at 6.15am, weekends at 6.30am. Enjoying the quiet solitude of swimming in 2’s and 3’s even before Covid19. Includes: Greg Barclay, Simon Mezger, Jack Mordes, Michael Bruce and Steve Jones.
1st May 2020 RBYC Melbourne Australia
Iceberger Diaspora Icebergers are observing the government’s social distancing and ‘un-grouping’ guidelines and are scattering around the Bay for our daily swimming experiences.
Hampton Beach
Icebergers Ian Serpless and Ken Broadhurst practising social distancing at Hampton Beach 11th April 2020 (Right).
Photo: Jane Zacharin Parkdale Beach Icebergers Don Warner and Andy Mulholland recently swam from Parkdale Beach to near Seagull Rock and return, a distance of 1.8-2kms. The photo (Right) is the view from Parkdale Beach Cafe looking north towards Mentone with Ricketts Point in the distance.
Photo: Don Warner
Being scattered is providing Icebergers with some great photo opportunities to appreciate, more than ever, our wonderful swimming choices:
Pre-sunset Sorrento 14th April 2020 Sunset at RBYC 13th April 2020. Morning Mt Martha 9th April 2020 Photo: Suzy Calley Photo: Sam Paynter Photo: Mel Kemp
1st May 2020 RBYC Melbourne Australia
Iceberger News 15th May 2020 Editor: Ria Bleathman
Melbourne’s year-round open water swimming group
Lead Article – The Clans of Brighton
The 5.30am Group – by Gary Liddell, David Tonkin and Doug Weir Our group has more than 115 years combined swimming at Middle Brighton Baths and Royal Brighton Yacht Club. We first met at the Baths and started to swim as a trio due to our preference to swim before the Bath’s opening time of 6am.
Over the colder months the Baths were closed but we continued swimming with access to cold showers only. Often it would be mid-morning before we had warmed-up sufficiently to stop shaking. Saunas and steam rooms never entered our collective thinking!
Harry Raisbeck was President of the early morning swimmers and David Tonkin was his assistant temperature taker. Harry insisted that the temperature was taken at the same spot each day (midway between the steps on the southern side), the same time (6.00am) and at the same depth (about 1 metre). When the Baths closed for renovations in 2000, we moved to Royal Brighton Yacht Club.
We are now down to us three, through retirements and members moving into the waters of the sky! Prior to lockdown, we would arrive around 5.00 am, 7 days a week. David is the only one of us now swimming, still at 5am, whilst Gary and Doug have stopped during the “isolation”.
Nevertheless, we are just one more group which demonstrates the companionship and enjoyment of all- year swimming that is characteristic of the Brighton Icebergers.
Editor’s Note: At 89 Doug is our oldest Iceberger. He earned the nickname “Canary” as he would swim regardless of the quality of the water invoking the practice of early coal miners who would lower a canary down the mine to detect poisonous methane gas. If the canary survived, the miners could descend into the pit.
Prior to the lock-down Doug measured our daily water temperature and water quality which he had done for 12 years. Despite the lock-down, Gary, David and Doug continue to inspire all Icebergers.
Miscellanies – The Changing Seasons
Our swimming experiences went from the ‘glory of an April day’ to…
RBYC 10th April 2020 Photo: Jenny Vran Point Leo 28th April2020 Photo: Simon Mezger
15th May 2020 RBYC Melbourne Australia
…‘rough winds do shake the darling buds of May’…
RBYC 9th May 2020 Photo: Jenny Vran
RBYC 1st May 2020 - LtoR: Stephanie, Libby, Sam and Nick RBYC 2nd May 2020 - LtoR Alistair, Kerry, Michael Conlan and John Scanlon. Photo: Sam Paynter Photo: Ria Bleathman
More poetising about our Maydays malaise:
Love in the Age of Corona – Ria Bleathman
With signs and rules and regs and laws, Swimming is not like it was before.
So we wait until this plague has gone, And plan the day, whereupon…
…our Berger groups are back in trine And to Covid we sing ‘Auld Lang Syne’.
← 1.5 metres →
Meanwhile, on The Tan…‘a good walk ruined’…
15th May 2020 RBYC Melbourne Australia
Iceberger News 29th May 2020 Editor: Ria Bleathman
Melbourne’s year-round open water swimming group
Iceberger Pairings by Ria Bleathman Pairings, Pairings There is no end. This time ‘round It’s Man’s Best Friend.
Yep, a swimming pal Who’s a quadruped. Be-tailed, be-haired And a purebred.
Sam, he swims with a Labrador. Michael too, with one so paw’d. Michael and Riley There’s Poppy and Fran Sam and Hudson An adoring pair. And Nick finds beauty In facial hair.
Don and Rosie, Who’s just a pup, Now there’s enough for a Canine Cup.
A Canine Cup? Now there’s a thought. Between Man and Beast Nick and India A ‘Berger sport.
I do not jest
Of those so-limb’d
Poppy and Fran These canine dudes Can really swim.
Through the sea with style and grace.
As fast as Figgies
They keep the pace.
These swimming stars Don and Rosie With limbs out-stretched Just like Figgies That’s not far-fetched.
And so like Figgies in heart and soul. They stop for a wee at every pole!?!
29th May 2020 RBYC Melbourne Australia
Miscellanies - The Royal Swimming Group by Ian Scholes Wanting to swim faster and further? Do you say ‘beautiful’ no matter how bad or cold the swimming conditions are? Still got that competitive streak? then The Royal Swimming Group is probably not for you, in fact, definitely not.
Our aim is to get in the water just after the Figgies and then get out just before them to beat them to the sauna and showers and to avoid “head-ons “ with the 7.00 or 7.30 groups as they swim out.
Whilst our motto is ‘don’t let the old man (or woman) in’ we freely admit that testosterone levels have dropped a bit and that we need that extra 15 minutes sleep that a 6.45 am (Covid-time 7.45) start allows us. Our usual swims are: Nice weather: No Brainer or Double Rocker (not too fast). Okay weather: Starter’s Hut (only after a debate at the Corner on whether to go further). Awful weather: Corner or Starter’s Hut (unless we can conjure an excuse and not turn up). Really Awful weather: Avoid by going overseas or pretending injury, illness or minor surgery.
All are welcome to swim with us and, although we have a couple of club legends in John Olsen and Rob Hooper, we generally fit the definition of ‘average’. We have even won awards acknowledging this and regularly take out the least-coveted Iceberger award of ‘Chief of The Channel’.
Nevertheless we take solace in understanding that, if you think of how mediocre the average person is, half of them are more mediocre than us.
6th May 2020 – The Setting Sun On 6th May I received five photos in the space of a few minutes from Icebergers scattered around the Bay all of whom were enjoying the same sunset. These photos prove that, despite these lockdown days, we are still connected through our love of the sea.
Mt Martha Photo: Sue (via Joe) Tsalanidis Sorrento Photo: John Philpot
Bayside Photo: Jenny Vran RBYC Photo: Sam Paynter
Hampton Beach Photo: Libby O’Farrell
29th May 2020 RBYC Melbourne Australia
Iceberger News 12th June 2020 Editor: Ria Bleathman
Melbourne’s year-round open water swimming group
Lead Article - The High-Performance Squad by Ian Serpless (“Serpo”)
The High-Performance Squad was formed about five years ago to assist those Figgies aiming for podium finishes in Gina’s Great Victorian Swim Series (read: Ken Broadhurst). I put together a combination of interval, fartlek and hypoxic training consisting of three circuits of the triangle inside the marina:
1. the first circuit consisted of 10 fast strokes 10 slow, 15 fast 15 slow, then 20 fast 20 slow.
2. the second and third circuits were more spontaneous and variable consisting of swimming different strokes, some underwater work and 2 4 6 8 10 12 10 8 6 4 2 Lung Busters - representing the number of single arm strokes taken before the next breath.
One morning, as the squad pulled-up after a particularly demanding session, they looked up to see the imposing figure of Iceberger Roy Norris (former Zimbabwean 100 metre freestyle champion, rugby international and decade-long member of the South African water polo team) standing directly over them on the pier. Roy, himself a High Performance Squad member, was late and proceeded to harangue the breathless swimmers with "Call this the High Performance Squad, I call it The Bullsh!t Squad". The name stuck.
An Urban Myth (read: The Tallest One – a.k.a. Cameron Owens - who perpetuates it at every opportunity) is that the squad died due to lack of interest as the spontaneity and unpredictability of the last two triangles became too predictable.
Yet early every Spring the lament of the true devotees can be heard, mournfully carrying over the water with "Bring Back The Bullsh!t Squad”.
Left: High performance social distancing at Hampton, May 2020
Miscellanies – Melbourne Fog
On Tuesday 26th May 2020 Icebergers Don Warner and Andrew Mulholland encountered a thickening blanket of fog as they started their regular swim at Parkdale Beach. Recognising the risks, they changed their plans and swam along the shoreline to ensure they kept both the shore and each other in full view. Such a decision was astute given the circumstances playing out elsewhere in the Bay that morning (refer lost swimmer story posted to Facebook: Bay Open Water Swimmers).
Left: Don and Andrew showing just how quickly the thick fog descended as they started their swim.
The sea has neither meaning nor pity – Anton Chekov
Photos: Carolyn Warner
12th June 2020 RBYC Melbourne Australia
Miscellanies – A Mosaic of Our Lockdown Days
Under the Undercroft
And so we crowd the undercroft On these mornings cold and raw.
We shiver, shake and shudder No love in concrete floors.
And all the while our clubhouse waits Behind locked and bolted doors.
But the bunker’s getting warmer As the freeze begins to thaw.
Coz growing in the bunker Is an esprit de corps! Ria Bleathman
No clubrooms, no showers, no worries – undercroft showers are the new black
RBYC: 24th May 2020 David Sedgwick, Don Fisher, Russell Parrington 30th May 2020 Nick Desira, David Hallam, Romney Jones
12th June 2020 RBYC Melbourne Australia
Iceberger News 26th June 2020 Editor: Ria Bleathman
Melbourne’s year-round open water swimming group
Lead Article – Kerry Watson Swims
Iceberger Kerry Watson swims every morning with the 7.30 Squad, a routine he has maintained throughout the lockdown.
Kerry completed 92 consecutive swims up until 1st June 2020 which meant he swam every day for the entire Autumn - and he is still going! Kerry’s quiet achievement is an inspiration to all.
Kerry swimming at RBYC in the first chill waters of Winter. Photo: David Brooks
Miscellanies - Iceberger 100 Michael Conlan
Iceberger 100 on our Honour Board is Michael Conlan who is also well known for his 200+ games with Fitzroy Football Club during the 1980’s. Michael was one of the first players to incorporate fitness, health and nutrition into his training regime, one that he still follows today as an Iceberger.
Michael continues to swim most mornings at 5.15am and at weekends with the legendary 7.30 Group. He runs along the Esplanade prior to each swim and concludes most swims with push-ups on the beach.
Michael is a member of the Fitzroy Team of the Century alongside legends such as Haydn Bunton, Kevin Murray and Bernie Quinlan.
He was given the nickname ‘The Sherman Tank’ due to his explosive style of play, bursting through packs to kick vital goals on the run.
Michael ‘The Sherman Tank’ 1980’s
Michael ‘The Iceberger’ May 2020
26th June 2020 © RBYC Melbourne Australia
In 1996 Fitzroy played its last game as a Melbourne-based AFL team when it was merged with the Brisbane Bears and the team relocated to Queensland. But the ‘Boys from Old Fitzroy’ still stir the passions in the Fitzroy neighbourhood today:
Gertrude Street, Fitzroy circa 2019 Graffiti, James Street circa 2018 Garage Door, James Street, Fitzroy, 2020
Miscellanies – “The Sir Michael Lombard”
The Sir Michael Lombard Fly At left is a photo of the original Sir Michael Lombard Fly, tied by Iceberger Alistair Purvey on 10th June 2020 when Michael was undergoing major heart surgery. Alistair describes The Sir Michael Lombard as follows: Hook: Down Eye Size 10 Captain Hamilton. Working silk: Black. Tail: Black over Red Marabou. Body: Red and Black Chenille. Hackle: Large Medium Ginger Cock, Palmer Style. Head: Black.
Alistair says: the fly will remain under lock and key and presented to Michael in the ‘heated’ underground change rooms at RBYC on his return from surgery. Get well soon Michael, from your Iceberger friends.
Statistically Speaking
The Iceberger News has now been issued each fortnight for a full six months. During this time 13 editions have been published involving 111 separate contributions from Icebergers made up of 44 stories and 67 photos. 34 individual Icebergers have made contributions during this time representing about 25% of our total Iceberger membership.
The RBYC Commodore Paul Pascoe also provided a Lead Article in The News reflecting the integral nature of both our sailing and swimming memberships.
The most active contributor to The Iceberger News over the first six months was Sam Paynter who made contributions to five editions representing nearly 40% of all editions on issue.
Sam has therefore earned a well-deserved Number One ‘podium position’ at the halfway mark of the 2020 Year In Print.
It is solved by swimming
A long swim in the ocean enables us to remove all those dissonant distractions and to consider the many riddles, questions and complexities of modern life. The Latin phrase which explains this phenomenon is: ita solvitur natandi which, roughly translated, means it is solved by swimming. So there it is, go for a swim, problem solved!
26th June 2020 © RBYC Melbourne Australia
Iceberger News 9th July 2020 Editor: Ria Bleathman
Melbourne’s year-round open water swimming group
Lead Article – The Chill of 2020 Despite social distancing, lockdowns, blockaded club rooms and our loveless undercroft, we are still maintaining our cold-water swimming traditions and thereby adding another dimension to the everyday, run-of-the-mill legend of the Brighton Icebergers.
The Chill of 2020
No room for soft in the undercroft In the chill of twenty twenty.
They toughed it out in the big lockout There are legends here a-plenty.
Ria Bleathman
Clockwise from top left: John Scanlon, Stephanie Desira, Libby O’Farrell, Christina Wilhelm, Suzy Calley, Rupert Hugh-Jones, Greg Barclay, Keith Badger, Terry Fox, Ian Scholes, Peter Maddison, Greg Wallace, Cameron Owens.
Our traditions will prevail… It was re-assuring to see Doug Weir’s daily temperature recordings on my first swim back at our re-opened clubrooms.
Doug ceased swimming for three months during the lockdown so his brief few weeks of recordings were a poignant reminder that the time-honoured traditions of the Brighton Icebergers will prevail. A reassuring thought as we now re-commence Stage 3 restrictions.
9th July 2020 © RBYC Melbourne Australia
Iceberger Winter Pier to Pub at Lorne Iceberger and club founder John Locco established the 1.2km Lorne Winter Pier to Pub swim in 2004 as a uniquely
Iceberger event and one which contrasts with the massed public event of the Summer Pier to Pub.
Icebergers swim for the Greg Fountain medal awarded for the fastest male and female.
Greg was one of the original Icebergers being Iceberger #3 on the Honour Board. Greg passed-away in 2014 and the medal was struck in his honour. Greg’s wife, Gabrielle usually presents the medal; his sons have also swum in the event.
Our proposed Iceberger Winter Pier to Pub swim, tentatively scheduled for 8th August 2020, has now been cancelled due to the re-imposition of Stage 3 lockdown restrictions preventing residents from exiting metropolitan Melbourne.
Winter Solstice Swim 21st June 2020 – 8isisoleight Group
LtoR: Peter Grose, Alex Afshar, Andrew Mulholland, Henry Mulholland, Lisa Gulikers, Nick Desira, Sam Paynter, Fran Johnson, Libby O’Farrell, Zoe Francis and Stephanie Desira.
Welcome to Our First Year Winter Swimmer - Clive Fraser Joined Icebergers: March 2020. Early years: Originally a Sandgroper then NSW, NZ, North America, including Melbourne (Florida) then finally this Melbourne. Learnt to swim: Blackwood River, Boyup Brook and Cottesloe Beach WA. Later US Masters - backstroker. Currently 'coached' at Hawthorn by the legendary Bernie McNamara. Best swimming experience: Dardanelles (age group 1st), Sicily to Calabria, 12 Rottnest swims (incl a team win and a few seconds!). How did you find us? I followed Icebergers Brett, Fran, Lisa et al from Hawthorn Aquahawks to RBYC. Swims with: Usually with Fran at 6:50 - 7am. Swimming goals: To retard the gradual rate of decline in speed. Not quite achieving this aim. Interesting factoid: Inveterate international traveller until COVID19,
Clive in the undercroft at RBYC so being anchored at Brighton Beach is a very novel experience!
9th July 2020 © RBYC Melbourne Australia
Iceberger News 23rd July 2020 Editor: Ria Bleathman
Melbourne’s year-round open water swimming group
George Bogus Interviews Ian ‘Serpo’ Serpless
George: Ian, you have been heard to say you created open cold-water swimming. Is this true? Ian: Mate, it’s partially true but it fails to mention that I have also mastered the sport.
George: You are recognised as being the Spiritual Leader of the Figgies. Tell us about what these duties involve? Ian: As the Spiritual Leader of the Figgies I choose the daily swim course after carefully studying the conditions. I also mentor squad members and provide general inspiration to name a few of my core duties.
George: You are in the winter of a magnificent career. Are there any future leaders in the Figgies coming through the ranks? Ian: I have been grooming Lance for near to a decade now. If he can remain focused, and avoid known distractions, he could be a future leader.
George: Describe yourself in three words? Ian: Dynamic, spontaneous and flexible.
George: Your personal grooming is a topic of much discussion at RBYC. How would you describe your style? Ian: Hobo Chic with a swinging bob.
George: Do you have any favourite expressions? Ian: Hello! Looking Good! It only takes one wave! I think we should go around. Ian “Serpo” Serpless George: Ian, you have worked for 37 years in Hampton as the Osteo To The Stars. Tell us about your retirement plans? Ian: My parents always encouraged me to dream BIG, so I see myself living in a BIG container with a top fit-out in the backyard of my home. Lance may also have his own container in the backyard as well. That would be perfect.
George: What is your favourite swim? Ian: No Brainer…I like to keep things simple.
Welcome to New Iceberger - Henry Mulholland Joined Icebergers: September 2019. Early years: Family home in Gardenvale attended Elsternwick Primary then Brighton Grammar School (2011). Learnt to swim: Firbank Aquastars then Brighton Grammar School Swimming and Water Polo. Open water experience: Portsea SLSC Classic last 3 years, Half Ironman Triathlon 70.3 miles Geelong 2020. Best swimming experience: Annual Portsea swim with high school friends. How did you find us?: Dad convinced me to try it out in July 2019. Swims with: Whoever is there at the same time! (6:30-6:40 Tuesdays and Thursdays). Favourite route at RBYC: Yellow loop. Swimming goals: Swim The Rip. Interesting factoid about you: I learnt to love the cold while living in Canada for 3 consecutive winters.
23rd July 2020 © RBYC Melbourne Australia
The B Team – The Original Iceberger Team – by Keith Badger Our group became recognised as a force founded on a unique combination; a captain, “Rocket Homann” whose leadership was universally admired, “Google Court” who could be relied upon for answers to any problem, and myself, a calming influence known as “The Voice of the BBC”.
We developed a reputation for quick wit and acid sharp observations that put us as far ahead in the change rooms as the A graders were in the water. Then one day an Economist magazine editorial claimed the B Team in any business were more influential than any alpha-male leaders. Clearly, the name was a natural fit. Since then we’ve been immortalised in a David Brooks documentary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6- K_7ydqgrM.
Many have circled the B Team like moths to a candleflame, but all fell short… all except one. When a walking Wikipedia joined the Icebergers, we recognised B Team potential. Our captain laid down the challenge, “Greg, you’ve just got to learn to talk sh*t.”
Greg responded as all good team members do when commanded by Rocket, mastering this art with such alacrity that his admittance became a formality.
Left: Greg Kemp and Keith Badger at RBYC
As fast as Greg gained entry though, he was soon banished, succumbing to Michael Conlan’s competitive mindset. Given the B Team has but one rule, no competing, Greg was out. Water for us is more about meditation than medal winning.
However, on one particularly spiteful midwinter morning Greg showed true grit to join me on a reverse Big Course. Swimming into the featureless black landscape of pouring rain and thrashing whitecaps we rounded the reef pole. By the end, battered and bloodied, Greg had swum his way back into B Team notoriety. The B Team: Peter Homann, Peter Court, Keith Badger and Greg Kemp (plus many associates).
Letters to the Editor – Iceberger Roy Norris responds Iceberger Roy Norris from Sydney was inspired to respond to the article on the High-Performance Squad in the Iceberger News 12th June 2020 as follows:
[Serpo’s article] is a very accurate account of how the name was derived. I have to say, after my recent visit to Melbourne and enjoying the therapeutic waters of Port Phillip Bay along with the company of many of the Iceberger group, there was a noticeable increase in the level of BS coming from the majority of the original squad members. There seemed to be less swimming and more BS around the heater over a cup of coffee….perhaps they should change the name to the Coffee Squad. – RN
23rd July 2020 © RBYC Melbourne Australia
Iceberger News 6th August 2020 Editor: Ria Bleathman
Melbourne’s year-round open water swimming group Lead Article
Welcome to Our New Iceberger - Rupert Hugh-Jones Joined Icebergers: January 2020 Early years: Born in Luanshya Zambia. Grew up in Sevenoaks, Kent (UK). Moved to Brighton, Melbourne in 1976. Learnt to swim: In Zambia. Swam competitively in the UK. Open water experience: First open water swim was the Portsea Classic in 1997. Others include Portsea and Pt Lonsdale. Best swimming experience: When I lived in Seychelles with 28-degree water temp. Yep. Except for the large fish to contend with. How did you find us: An old mate Greg Wallace insisted - it was January and 30 degrees (and a few beers!) so I said yes. I nearly lost you when the water dropped to 15 degrees. Swims with: The athletic and modest 7.30 Group. Favourite route at RBYC: While I know every inch of the triangle now, I love the Corner swim.
Rupert at RBYC July 2020 Swimming goals: To complete all the major Victorian open water swims (with a wetsuit ) Interesting factoid: My family name is Welsh and, while I have never lived there, I still have family in Caernarvon.
Miscellanies - The Haiku Challenge Icebergers are keen swimmers of the world’s oceans. There is one such Iceberger group with a penchant for swimming in Japanese waters having visited this area twice previously under their so-named J-1 and J-2 tours. Expectations are high for a J-3 tour to occur in a post-pandemic world. In the meantime, and to satiate those J- 3ers who wait patiently for their elusive trip, this edition of News provides an enticing morsel of Japanese culture.
Haiku is a Japanese verse form originating in the 1600’s. The English version comprises three un-rhymed lines of words comprising five, seven and five syllables. A haiku depicts the essence of a specific moment in time by juxtaposing two ‘parts’ to create resonance...and so commenceth, The Iceberger Haiku Challenge!
The Haiku Challenge
Haiku #1 Haiku #2 Haiku #3 The darkening sky, A big Sou-Wester Undercroft winter a cold front is coming through, blowing up a choppy fuss. Shaking uncontrollably - winter swimming bane. No-brainer today. concrete gives no love.
6th August 2020 © RBYC Melbourne Australia
COVID19 by Mel Kemp 2020 will be known for COVID 19 Which caused a pandemic we could not have foreseen. We await a vaccine to provide our salvation Until then Australia is in self isolation.
All cafes, pubs and clubs were banned
Our swimming home became the sand. We swam with another or on our own And shared our photos on the phone.
We must always stay two arm lengths apart, So we can still have a chat but not hear a fart. Social distancing is now in our language and life, There are no exceptions for husband or wife.
We queue for the shops to keep numbers down, A rare time to chat so you don’t see a frown. The shelves have been bare - no pasta or rice And finding some toilet paper would have been nice!
The aim of the bans is to flatten the curve, There’s almost no money left in the reserve
Trips overseas are a thing of the past, To get north of the Murray you’ll have to drive fast.
Our lives have been changed with worry and fear, We remember the past and the times we hold dear, Like jokes in the steam room and walks on the pier, And warm nights on the deck while nursing a beer. Silhouettes - Brighton Melbourne
Photos: Steph Desira Ria Bleathman Ria Bleathman Jenny Vran
Who’s Swimming Where…? Although the COVID19 restrictions have forced us to swim in various places around the Bay, we are still Icebergers and our traditions continue. Here is the latest reconnaissance:
Locale COVID19-induced Traditions 1. Hampton Beach Daily between 7.00 and 7.30am. Includes: Figgies, Antony Lynch, Mel Kemp, Jane Zacharin. 2. RBYC Daily all times. Often between 6.45 to 7.45am. Includes: B-Team, 7.30 Group, Figgies, 8isisoleight. 3. Parkdale Beach Tuesday at 8.00am. Includes: Don Warner, Andy Mulholland, Christina Wilhelm. 4. Point Leo Daily in the morning. Simon Mezger 5. Anglesea Most days at 8am from Point Roadknight. Ingilby Dickson. 6. Torquay Most days at 7.30am from Cosy Corner. Ingilby Dickson. 7. Portsea Pier Daily at 8am. Includes: Garry Johnson, Antony Lynch, Kirsty Webb, David Urquhart, Chris Yencken. 8. Mt Martha Most days. Joe Tsalanidis.
6th August 2020 © RBYC Melbourne Australia
Iceberger News 20th August 2020 Editor: Ria Bleathman
Melbourne’s year-round open water swimming group Lead Article
Welcome to Our First Year Winter Swimmer – Antony Lynch Joined Icebergers: September 2019.
Early years: Grew up in Melbourne. Boarding school in Geelong. Sorrento in summer. Lived in Hong Kong (late 80’s) then Dallas Texas in the early 90’s. Learnt to swim: A swim school in Rose Street, Armadale. Nippers at Portsea SLC. Open water experience: Started in 2009 with Portsea morning regulars. Eleven Pier2Perignion’s, The Rip, Bondi to Bronte, numerous Port Phillip Bay swims and Byron Bay. Best swimming experience: Point King to Sorrento swimming with a pod of dolphins and The Rip just for the experience itself. How did you find us? Kirsty invited me to a 6.30am swim with the Figgies and I never looked back! Swims with: Since the RBYC has closed I have been Antony - Croatian Coast 2019 swimming most mornings at Hampton Beach. Favourite route at RBYC: Reef Pole and back around the sea wall (No Brainer or St Andrews). Swimming goals: My daughter lives in San Francisco so I would like to swim Alcatraz. Interesting factoid: I caught a 1,000-pound marlin off Cairns but fishing for whiting off Sorrento is hard to beat.
Miscellanies - Morning Glories
Anglesea. Photo: Ingilby Dickson RBYC. Photo: Clive Fraser
Hampton Beach. Photo: Antony Lynch [Serpo and Lance] RBYC. Photo: Rupert Hugh-Jones
20th August 2020 © RBYC Melbourne Australia
Melbourne’s Upside-Down River – Ria Bleathman
These are, indeed, exceptional times. As some of you know, I have been effectively ‘marooned’ in the Melbourne CBD since mid-March due to Lockdown restrictions on movements. My brief moments of outdoor exercise generally involve walks along the Yarra River.
I have started to view this otherwise uninviting body of water, disparagingly referred to as ‘the upside down river’ due to the volume of toxic sediment and run-off it carries, with a newly-emergent desire: ‘Can I swim in this water?’
Apparently, it is illegal to swim in the Yarra anywhere south of Gipps Street in Abbotsford, not because of its poor water quality but due to it being designated a ‘boating channel’ and the need to avoid boat-and-swimmer accidents. However, the Lockdown has resulted in not just an empty city but an empty river; ergo no boating in this channel!
Perhaps without boating the prospect of a swim in the Yarra is possible and thereby achieve the inconceivable that our ‘upside down river’ could become Melbourne’s very own equivalent of the annual TrygFonden swim around the canals of Copenhagen or the 8 Bridges Hudson River Swim in Manhattan.
Empty-envy. The city from Morell Bridge MCG from Princes Bridge.
The Yarra River has a rich swimming history and ‘richness’ is not just a descriptor for the nutrient load. Short anecdotes of the Yarra’s swim history will be included in future editions of the Iceberger News in the forlorn hope that this wonderful waterway could someday become a swimming destination. Now that would really turn things upside down!
The Haiku Challenge
The Haiku Challenge
Haiku #4 Haiku #5 Haiku #6 Twenty twenty sucks. Hypothermia - Jet skiing speedsters Our well-thought-out plans for life, Familiarisation Unf**ing-believable Obliterated. Obligatory. Abominations.
Who’s Swimming Where…? 1. Hampton Daily between 7.00 and 7.30am. Includes: Figgies (Serpo, Lance, Janie, Ken, Lindsay, Ant, Billy) and special visitors from time to time. 2. RBYC Daily all times. Often between 6.45 to 7.45am. Includes: B-Team, 7.30 Group, Figgies, 8isisoleight. 3. Parkdale Tuesday at 8.00am. Includes: Don Warner, Christina Wilhelm. 4. Point Leo Daily in the morning. Simon Mezger. 5. Anglesea Most days at 8am from Point Roadknight. Ingilby Dickson. 6. Torquay Most days at 7.30am from Cosy Corner. Brian Cook (ex-Iceberger), Ingilby Dickson. 7. Portsea Pier Daily at 8am. Includes: Garry Johnson, Kirsty Webb, Sue Semmens, David Urquhart, Chris Yencken. 8. Mt Martha Most days. Joe Tsalanidis. 9. Mentone Most days. Includes Gary Finnis, Les Finnis, Greg Barclay, Cam Owens.
20th August 2020 © RBYC Melbourne Australia
Iceberger News 3rd September 2020 Editor: Ria Bleathman
Melbourne’s year-round open water swimming group Lead Article
George Bogus Interviews Alistair Purvey
George: You’re a seasoned swimmer and leader of the 7.30 Squad tell us about your routine? Alistair: I get down to RYBC at 7am and do some calisthenics on the top car park and check out whether there are any camera crews around. If a Ladyberger is in sight I tear off my top and put on a gun show to make their day.
George: …and swimming? Alistair: Oh the swimming, ahh yes well, then its hurling insults at any passing Figgies before I head into the sheds to assemble the Squad and to provide some motivational words.
George: …but what about the swimming? Alistair: Ahh yes, swimming. Well we leave the sheds at 7.30am, not a minute before not a minute after - the Squad waits for no-one. We then swim the triangle which takes 10 minutes. Then back into the sheds for a 20-minute shower, then grab a coffee with the Squad, always on the look-out for any stray muffins, then stash the Herald Sun into my bag on the way out.
George: Tell me about the 7:30 Squad? Alistair: It’s a dynamic group, very high energy. It has some real legends - Deadly Dave Sedgwick, Michael ‘Look at Me’ Conlan and some outstanding rookies like Greg Wallace (not the fast one) who’s an emerging talent.
George: What’s your favourite cuisine? Alistair: McDonalds. I like Scottish food.
George: Describe yourself in three words? Alistair: Positive. Flexible. Indecipherable.
George: You have referred to whisky as ‘the best medicine in the world’. Does whisky improve your swimming? Alistair: I never mix whisky and water. Good whisky should not be adulterated with anything other than more good whisky. Alistair Purvey at RBYC
George: What are your future swimming goals? Alistair: I’m hoping to break into the Figgies. I feel I’ve done my apprenticeship with the 7.30 Squad. I want to break into the big-time with the Figgies.
The Haiku Challenge
The Haiku Challenge
Haiku #7 Haiku #8 Haiku #9 Today a swallow Haikus in lockdown Haikus are easy Joy, for warmer days are here A nice creative outlet, or But sometimes they make no sense. Swimming sans thermals. Procrastination!?! Refrigerator.
3rd September 2020 © RBYC Melbourne Australia
Welcome to New Icebergers – Romney Jones Joined Icebergers: Saturday, 13 April 2019… beautiful 16 degrees. Did a Reef Pole with the Figgies. It was so cold - felt like daggers down my back! Early years: Lower Templestowe then Carey. Overseas for many years in my 20’s. Returned with my Canadian wife. Now in Elwood with our four boys (ages - 17,16,16,10). Learnt to swim: Swimming school/squad in Lower Templestowe, then swim team at Carey and tri squad at Kew Rec. Still occasionally train with Powerpoints group at MSAC. Open water experience: Plenty of open water swimming events (longer the better) and triathlons but now just stick to the swims. Best swimming experience: The Rip was great to do as I love looking out over the Rip from Point Lonsdale; along with my morning swims at Point Lonsdale, especially over Summer. How did you find us? Rig (David Rigby) had mentioned to me for years to come down… and I finally got around to it after he ‘sold it’ further over a steak and beers one night.
My only open water swimming Swims with: The Figgies, although the numbers have dropped-off lately… as trophy so may as well show it off…! we constantly get reminded! Try to swim 3-4 times a week. Favourite route at RBYC: St Andrews, No Brainer, Yellow… depending on conditions. Swimming goals: Still trying to work out the best course at Pier to Perignon, and… to swim lazily down the channel. Would also be great to get my four boys down here swimming. Interesting factoid: Nothing special… just love my swimming and wherever I travel to I always take my togs and goggles and find the nearest beach or pool. Thanks to Rig for inviting me down and to everyone for making me feel so welcome at the Icebergers… I love it!
Icebergers – The movie
As you many of you know, Darcy Newton’s movie called Icebergers recently won 'Best Documentary' at this year’s Melbourne Indie Film Festival.
The film is described thus:
“Icebergers follows a group of stoic, athletic and distinctly Australian open-ocean swimmers. The Icebergers club houses a heartwarming, motivational and supportive community full of inspiring stories and characters”.
The film can be accessed for a short while via the following link:
https://youtu.be/2dG4av83Sjo
Darcy’s father, Michael Newton, was a long-time Iceberger and a successful English Channel Swimmer.
Full credit to Darcy and his dedicated team and congratulations to all involved.
‘Natation’ originated in the 1540’s and means ‘the act of swimming’. The word is derived from the Latin natationem which means ‘a-swimming’. In the late 19th century, famed ‘professor of swimming’ Fred Cavill called his swimming pools in Lavender Bay and Woolloomooloo ‘natatoriums’.
Thus, our daily swims, or natations, are termed natatorial outings and our bathers are natatory attire! Apparently, until this edition of the News, the word has not been in use since the 1920’s. Happy natations!
3rd September 2020 © RBYC Melbourne Australia
Iceberger News 17th September 2020 Editor: Ria Bleathman
Melbourne’s year-round open water swimming group Lead Article
Welcome to New Iceberger - Tony Bond Joined Icebergers: December 2019.
Early years: Lived in Brighton. Joined RBYC in 1966. Attended Brighton Grammar School (left 1966). Learnt to swim: Beginner, still learning.
Open water experience: Falling overboard during a yacht race in middle of Port Phillip Bay! Best swimming experience: Making it to the Dineen Pole for the first time.
How did you find us? As a member of RBYC and knowing many of the Icebergers who were also yachties. Swims with: The very friendly 7.30 Group.
Favourite route at RBYC: Keeping as close to the pier as possible and to the Dineen pole and back. Swimming goals: To one day complete the triangle with the 7.30 Group
Tony at RBYC - Winter 2020 without stopping. Interesting factoid: Spent most of my life on top of the water sailing out of RBYC and now enjoy being in the water. Both can be cold and wet!
Miscellanies - Hail King Clive and Queen Fran of the winter bunker by Andrew Rosengren
Everyday rain, hail, sludge and sleet they were there. As reliable as a Swiss watch. Remember those days when you were curled up in bed as the weather howled outside? – yep, they were there.
First winter season also for Clive. Well done!
Here is their 92-days-of-winter swim tally:
Yellow Pole: 45 No Brainer/Redback: 41 St Andrews: 5 Starter’s Hut: 1 (2nd swim that day) Mentone: 2.5km: 1 Total: 93 swims, 1 each day, plus 1. Clive and Fran in their element.
Natatorially Speaking
The previous article in the News (3rd September 2020) about the word natation, which was once used to describe swimming, has brought forth the following lovely reminisce from Iceberger Doug Weir:
“When I started as a Freshman at the University of Wisconsin in 1949 we were required to undertake a course in swimming whether we could swim or not. The swimming pool was in an 1894's building which served both as an armoury (for the university Reserve Officer Training Scheme) and gymnasium.
The swimming area was known as "The Natatorium" so your article re-kindled some memories. Incidentally, no budgie smugglers as all the Freshman had to swim in the nude!”
17th September 2020 © RBYC Melbourne Australia
Swimming Without Water - or The Extraordinary Daily Derangements of Lockdown Madness
This article is an acknowledgement to those Icebergers who are prevented from swimming due to the restrictions on our movements during Lockdown 2.0. After months of such water-less privations we question the heretofore accepted assumption that water and swimming are co-dependent. Not so, it seems.
During a recent surf (alas internet-only) it seems that ‘swimming without water’ is a thing as these photos of swimming lessons from earlier years attest:
Swimming was once taught ‘in dry dock’ for those without ready access to water. This quiet discovery of ‘swimming without water’ in the lonely depths of Lockdown 2.0 is a measure of our new water-less realities…or perhaps a more apt measure of our slowly encroaching Lockdown-madness?
Maybe not. We are, after all, the only country in the world to celebrate a water-less boat carnival at the annual Henley-on-Todd regatta in a dry riverbed in the desert country of Central Australia.
Yarra Swimming History [from: Yarra – A Diverting History of Melbourne’s Murky River by Kristin Otto]
The Yarra River was once a major swimming destination for Melburnians. In the 1920’s the Ivanhoe, Alphington and Fairfield stretch was described as equal in popularity to St. Kilda beach.
Other swimming spots along the river included Deep Rock at Yarra Bend, a diving platform at the Mullum Mullum Creek confluence in Templestowe, a picketed swim enclosure at Yarra Glen, a diving board at Willow Pool, Warburton and a river beach on Herring Island near Richmond.
The Yarra River, as a swimming destination, declined after the 1930’s which coincided with the advent of suburban swimming pools and deteriorating water quality.
Iceberger Doug Weir recalls his early days rowing on the Yarra in the 1940's: “apart from the occasional floating dog corpse, the river was often stained pink due to effluent from the Rosella factory when making tomato sauce”.
Doug rowed on the Yarra River in various Melbourne Grammar crews: “in 1948 I rowed bow in the second crew and I think we were second in the final of the Head of the River. My dad stroked the winning Melbourne Grammar crew in 1918 and went on to row for Victoria.
I rowed bow and my twin brother was the stroke when I rowed in the third crew in 1947. It was all long ago but I still have vivid memories of the Yarra at that time”. Left: Yarra River at Melbourne Girls College boat ramp on the Boulevard in Richmond. Photo: Lou Lockwood,
Who’s swimming where? The Chocolate Royals (which they enjoy on occasion) have moved their time-slot to avoid large groups of gathering spectators. They’re now swimming 8am Tues/Thurs/SaT and Sun. Wetsuits are used on days with the letter ‘T’ in them for longer swims, not due to their soft centres. - Peter Maddison
17th September 2020 © RBYC Melbourne Australia
Iceberger News 1st October 2020 Editor: Ria Bleathman
Melbourne’s year-round open water swimming group Lead Article
Welcome to Our First Year Winter Swimmers - Tim Hille Started swimming with Icebergers: July 2020 Early years: Grew up in Bentleigh and went to Bentleigh High school. Played football at Ormond Amateur FC (full back) in the 80’s and 90’s and still live in the area (just within 5km range!). Learnt to swim: Self-taught with bad technique. I swim/surf for fun. Open water experience: Pier2Pubs (20) and Rock2Ramps. Best swimming experience: The Rip Swim Feb 2020. How did you find us: I know Cam Owens and Craig Stephens. I’ve always admired the Icebergers. There’s a great atmosphere here and camaraderie - especially getting changed in the carpark haha! During lockdown swims with: Michael Urban [first winter also]. Favourite route at RBYC: Yellow pole return outside. Swimming goals: To be swimming when I’m 80! Interesting factoid: John Locco was my HSC accounting teacher.
Left: Tim at the RBYC undercroft
Brighton Icebergers New Website - from the Iceberger Sub-Committee
We are excited to officially launch an updated Iceberger website. Just click on the following link and then bookmark the link for future easy access : https://brighton-icebergers.org.au Our new website has some new and exciting additions: Iceberger News - as well as receiving these via email, editions will be available to read or download directly from the website. Weather links - open the RBYC live webcam for weather detail and temperature chart for indications of average water temperatures (not replacing the ‘never average’ readings by legend Doug Weir). Updated new member enquiry process. Blogs and articles - remain as previously. New contributions are welcome. Event Calendar - hopefully we will be able to set
some dates and events before long. Coming soon! –‘The Iceberger Store’ - do you need to order new bathers or a cap? Then the online store will enable you to place an order-request. Delivery will be dependent on existing stock levels or the number of orders justifying new stock to be purchased.
Well done to Peter Grose and John Scanlon for the extensive work involved in creating the new site. On behalf of all Icebergers we thank you very much.
Should you have any queries or suggested website content, please contact Peter at [email protected]
Letters to the Editor – Doug Weir “That word keeps cropping up. This morning I received the weekly Alumni News from the University of Wisconsin. The lead article covered the planned demolition of the Western Natatorium. Apparently, the word still has currency in what passes for English in the USA”. – Doug Weir
1st October 2020 © RBYC Melbourne Australia
Miscellanies – Solar powered When I first looked at this photo, I thought Iceberger Nick Desira had taken seriously the recent News article about Swimming Without Water.
But then, on second thoughts…maybe, after spending the past six months being ‘hostage’ to our concrete bunker, Nick had developed a Stockholm Syndrome affection for concrete?
Or maybe his Christ-like posture was a means to channel a higher spiritual energy, something akin to Tibetan monks in the Middle Kingdom prostrating themselves on their holy pilgrimages towards enlightenment?
Not so...the ever-resourceful Nick used the first days of Spring to thaw his bones on the sun-warmed RBYC carpark pavement. Nick’s obvious joie de vivre is captured for posterity by Nick’s wife and fellow Iceberger Stephanie.
Miscellanies - Julius Caesar Swims The most famous feat of swimming from ancient history occurred in 48 B.C.E. when the Roman general Julius Caesar, after having entered Alexandria in Egypt in pursuit of his military rival Pompey, was greeted by king Ptolemy XIII who, unexpectedly, presented Caesar with Pompey’s head.
Caesar, seemingly more impressed with Ptolemy’s sister, Cleopatra, than Pompey’s head, took her as his lover. Caesar had Ptolemy imprisoned and declared Cleopatra the sole ruler of Egypt. This upset Ptolemy’s generals and they attacked Caesar’s fleet in Alexandria harbor.
Caesar, after going to the aid of his men in a small boat, became surrounded by Egyptians so he threw himself into the sea and “with great difficulty escaped by swimming” whilst holding his battle plans above his head and out of the water.
Caesar eventually defeated Ptolemy’s army, Cleopatra gave birth to their son and Caesar returned to Rome as a victorious general - but it was because of swimming that Caesar survived.
William Shakespeare included Caesar’s historic swim in his classic tragedy Julius Caesar when Roman general Cassius saved his life following Caesar’s immortal cry: “Help me, Cassius, or I sink!“.
Cassius’ magnanimity did not last long as he was one of the assassins who stabbed Caesar to death four years later on the Ides of March.
Whether Caesar was actually ‘saved’ from drowning is a moot point of history. He was, after all, swimming with his battleplans aloft. But Shakespeare was a playwright rather than an historian and therefore not inclined to let the truth Caesar swims – Alexandria Harbour 48 BCE get in the way of a good tragedy.
Nevertheless, had Caesar not known how to swim the history of the world might have been quite different to that which we know today.
Messages from Melbourne’s graffiterati – small joys, shared.
1st October 2020 © RBYC Melbourne Australia
Iceberger News 15th October 2020 Editor: Ria Bleathman
Melbourne’s year-round open water swimming group Lead Article – The Bogus Ascendancy
George Bogus Interviews Greg Kemp
George: What are you up to these days? Greg: I have recently been appointed a brand ambassador for Matrix Fitness. I used to pick up Micky Conlan from the airport and it came about that Matrix was looking for a leading influencer. It went from there and these days I am decked out in Matrix activewear which show off the hard work I do in the gym. My contract unusually refers to a ‘before model’ which is a phrase I am unfamiliar with.
George: You have moved through a variety of swim groups - what’s the back-story? Greg: I started with the B team but they have fallen apart after the English channel team swim. Certain team members are editing out 'team' and presenting themselves as 'channel swimmers'. I can’t stand fake news outfits so we decoupled by mutual consent. I then teamed up with Rocket before he was banished to Yeppoon after a workplace incident involving a Christmas party, alcohol and livestock. I now roll with a crack squad including elite athletes and Bayside personalities like Marty, Keith, Warren, Don and Russ. I have finally found my people and they their leader. George: Tell us about your exercise routine? Greg: It’s all about a disciplined monk-like lifestyle. I hit the gym at 6am for a high intensity 30-minute workout really testing the full capacity and redundancy of the Matrix Fitness machines. I always ensure I leave enough time to squeeze into my slimline rubber pants and conduct a full equipment inventory check.
Annoyingly, sometimes various Icebergers ask for my expert opinion on anything from quantum physics to my views on the latest social media trends, so I humour them with short, concise explanations. I then complete a St Andrew’s swim and, whilst swimming, I conduct a full engineering report of the marina and then put the hammer down when we hit the channel and bring it home strong. George: Finish this sentence - I never leave home without… my? Greg: - goggles, 3 caps, pull-buoy, rubber pants, gloves, booties, flippers, broom, pan, carpet, loose fitting speedos with a slight transparency which comfortably rest across my mid buttocks. Oh yikes, I forgot my mask, my wretched mask!
George: Which three words best describe you? Greg: focused, succinct, verbose…erudite, loquacious…regal, peerless…oracular…Delphic…sublime.
Miscellanies - Six-word memoirs – a new contributor series The Iceberger News is a collection of stories told with Verve, Vigour and Vim [V-words are the most descriptive words, yet they are Very under-used]. The shortest type of story-writing is a subset of the flash-fiction genre called ‘the six-word memoir’. Given our editorial mantra of ‘brevity and levity’, six-word memoirs are an obvious choice for the next contributor series.
Julius Caesar uttered one of the greatest six-word memoirs in history: I came, I saw, I conquered, it is even shorter in Latin: Veni, Vidi, Vici. [those V-words again!]. Here is my six-word memoir to get the series going:
I swim unfailingly but somewhat flailingly.
...go for it bergers!
15th October 2020 © RBYC Melbourne Australia
The Sir Michael Lombard Fly Icebergers will recall an article in our News (26th June 2020) about the Sir Michael Lombard fly, designed and tied by Iceberger Alistair Purvey who described the hackle as ‘Large Medium Ginger Cock, Palmer Style’.
The fly was a gesture to Michael who was, at the time, undergoing major heart surgery. Alistair planned to present the fly to Michael once he had recovered from surgery.
Great news! Michael has recovered and swimming at RBYC. True to his word, Alistair recently presented the fly to Michael in our “heated” underground bunker (pictured).
It’s wonderful to see you back Michael. No doubt, your scar and your ‘Large Medium Ginger Cock Palmer Style’ hackle will be conversation starters well into the future. Thank you Alistair for your ‘heartfelt’ gesture.
Our Melbourne
Ingilby Dickson Rupert Hugh-Jones
Ria Bleathman Ria Bleathman
AFL Interrupted - Grand Final series This year’s Australian Football League season is not the first time a footy season has been interrupted by calamitous events. In 1916 season just four teams competed due to the impacts of WW1 with Fitzroy Football Club finishing on the bottom of the ladder. Although being ‘wooden spooners’ the Maroons, as they were known, still finished in fourth place and therefore ‘qualified’ to play-off in the finals series. Fitzroy won enough games in the final series to qualify for the Grand Final where they beat Carlton by 29 points thus becoming the only team in AFL/VFL history to win both the wooden spoon and the premiership in the same season.
Fitzroy won another war-time Premiership in 1944 when they were called The Gorillas beating Richmond with the game relocated to the Junction Oval as the MCG was being used for military purposes. The team became the Lions in 1958. The Lions team was relocated to Brisbane at the end of the 1996
The Maroons Premiers 1916 season to become the Brisbane Lions.
Perhaps these omens from an interrupted season and relocated Grand Final augur well for The Brisbane Lions in this year’s finals campaign at the Gabba in Brisbane.
15th October 2020 © RBYC Melbourne Australia
Iceberger News 29th October 2020 Editor: Ria Bleathman
Melbourne’s year-round open water swimming group
Lead Article – Kerry Watson swims and swims
Readers will recall the News of 26th June 2020 which heralded Iceberger Kerry Watson’s feat of swimming 92 consecutive days during Autumn. Kerry has continued swimming each day and recently surpassed 244 consecutive swims.
This figure of 244 is not insignificant for footy-watchers as it accords with another memorable sporting achievement by Jim Stynes who played an AFL- record 244 consecutive games for Melbourne between 1987 and 1998.
Jim’s life exemplified determination, strong will, humility and courage. Kerry
Kerry Watson’s 244th on 24th October has shown such qualities, overcoming storm, tempest and lockdown and is 2020 fully deserving of the News’ unofficial ‘Jim Stynes award’. Well done Kerry!
Lockdown Chic These Bergers took the ‘H’ from shaving And count each day the bucks they’re saving
Prickly pears Are picked for pickles But no peach picks A face that prickles - Burma Shave
Clockwise from Top left: Stephen Jones, Sam Paynter, Ken Broadhurst Mike Potter, Romney Jones and David Sedgwick.
Miscellanies – Overcoming our uhtceare I recently stumbled across an old English word most befitting of our daily Iceberger lives.
We are all well-aware of that instant in the pre-dawn when we wake in our toasty-warm beds and experience a flash of anxiety knowing we will soon be swimming in the cold dark winter waters of the Bay. Well, there’s a word for that instant - it’s called uhtceare.
Until this edition of the News, uhtceare was used once in a poem called “The Wife’s Lament” some time before 1072. The word is so under-used there is conjecture as to how it is pronounced. I prefer the rhythmical: oot- see-are-a to confer upon it a distinctly Brightonian patois.
Uhtceare is a noun, so when we reach the water’s edge on those cold, dark mornings we can commend each other for overcoming our uhtceare and thereby catapult ourselves into etymological stardom.
Oh cruel noun, little wonder you are underused! Who would dream of reviving you?
…the Iceberger News, that’s who! th 29 October 2020 © RBYC Melbourne Australia
The Melbourne Cup Aquatic – by Ria Bleathman
At this time of year, Melbourne is consumed by all things equine with the annual Spring Racing Carnival. I was curious as to whether our Iceberger predilections for swimming could provide an indication as to which horse could be a possible winner in the Carnival’s feature race, the fabled Melbourne Cup.
Since the first race in 1860 there have been five aquatically-themed winners: 2006 - Delta Blues 1964 – [water] Polo Prince 1951 - Delta 1906 - Poseidon – the somewhat cantankerous king of the seas (and horses) 1885 - Sheet Anchor
There have also been several aquatically-themed minor placings: 1986 - Sea Legend third 1940 - Tidal Wave third 1903 - Seaport third 1883 - First Water second 1874 - The Diver third
The obvious aquatically-themed selection for this year’s race is: Oceanex.
Taking the Iceberger theme a little further, a runner in this year’s Cup is called the Prince of Arran so-named after the Isle of Arran on the West coast of Scotland which is also home to the Arran single malt whisky - described in the distiller’s tasting notes as: earthy but sweet on the palate leaving a strong after glow.
Such a description is an apt pen-portrait of our resident Scottish highlander Iceberger Alistair Purvey and a potential omen for would-be punters given the experts describe the Prince of Arran as: one of the oldest in the race but also one of the toughest. This vintage stayer is pure determination and should never be underestimated.
…now that’s what I call an omen!
Each moment of the year has its own beauty – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Sam Paynter Nick Desira Rupert Hugh-Jones
Sam Paynter Stephanie Desira Jenny Vran
th 29 October 2020 © RBYC Melbourne Australia
Iceberger News 11th November 2020 Editor: Ria Bleathman
Melbourne’s year-round open water swimming group Armistice Tribute
Remembrance Day is commemorated on the 11th hour of the 11th month each year at the precise moment in 1918 when the Armistice came into effect to bring about the end of World War1. Remembrance Day is honoured by wearing Flanders poppies.
Red poppies were among the first plants to grow in the devastated battlefields of northern France and Belgium, collectively known as ‘Flanders Fields’.
In soldiers' folklore, the vivid red of the poppy came from the
blood of their comrades soaking Weary Dunlop – WW2 Survivor Hand-made poppies. Photo: Lou Lockwood. the ground. and poppy wearer. Iceberger Lou Lockwood will again be placing her daughter-in-law’s (Colleen’s) hand-made poppies on the front fences of the neighbours in Hawthorn on Remembrance Day as she did earlier this year on Anzac Day because no-one was able to attend the Dawn Service or commemorate in groups.
World War1 involved two well-known swimming Australians:
Cecil Healy was a freestyle swimmer who won gold and silver medals at the 1912 Olympic Games in Stockholm. He was an early proponent of the new ‘Australian Crawl’ stroke and, after the Games, toured Europe exhibiting this new swimming style. Cecil was killed in Battle of the Somme in August 1918 and he remains the only Australian Olympic Gold medallist to die on the battlefield.
Melburnian Frank Beaurepaire won three silver and three bronze medals in three separate Olympic games from 1908 to 1924. In between his Olympic medals he served in Europe in WW1.
After the war in 1922, Frank with fellow lifesaver, Jack Chalmers achieved fame after rescuing a shark attack victim at Coogee Beach. Frank used the money raised from a fund set up in their honour to start Beaurepaires which became a national tyre business. He died in 1956 just before the Melbourne Olympic Games. Frank was posthumously inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1967.
th 11 November 2020 © RBYC Melbourne Australia
Miscellanies - Open Water Fears and Phobias
It seems there are more words to describe our fears associated with the sea than there are to describe our love of the sea. There is a Greek-derived phobia for just about every fear we might have experienced as open water swimmers. Here is a shortened list:
Autophobia fear of being alone (in open water). Bathophobia fear of depths or swimming in deep water. Fykiaphobia fear of seaweed. Galeophobia or Selachophobia fear of sharks. Ichthyophobia fear of fish. Kymophobia fear of waves. Submechanophobia fear of submerged objects like sunken ships. Thalassophobia fear of the sea or being in the sea.
To the extent that the suffix -phobia denotes fear, the antonym or opposite is the suffix -philia. Given that fear of the sea is thalassophobia then our love of the sea is thalassophilia thus making Icebergers thalassophiliacs!
This edition of the News coincides with Friday 13th. Fear of Friday 13th is called paraskavedekatriaphobia, which potentially causes another fear, that being a fear of long words which is called Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia and thereby creating a unique conundrum in that, by describing one fear, another is induced!
Back at the home of the Brighton Icebergers
LtoR: Rupert Hugh-Jones, Russell Parrington, Don Fisher, Warren Fisher
Fran Johnson
Michael Bruce LtoR: Peter Miglic, Jenny Vran, Andrew Mulholland, Peter Grose, Peter Maddison
20:20:20 2020 This edition of the News is dated 11/11 which is a numerical palindrome. I became only too aware of such a phenomenon during those grinding days of lockdown. I would wait expectantly each day for that instant at 8:20pm and 20 seconds when my 24-hour digital clock registered 20:20:20 2020. This event became a daily highlight in my otherwise featureless day and provided a poignant contrast with my pe-lockdown days of seemingly unrestrained excitement - those days are returning, ever so slowly. [Ed].
th 11 November 2020 © RBYC Melbourne Australia
Iceberger News 26th November 2020 Editor: Ria Bleathman
Melbourne’s year-round open water swimming group Lead Article – Back at RBYC….
THE ―MAGNIFICENT― 7.30 SEVEN
LtoR: Charles Bronson (Bernado), Brad Dexter (Harry Luck), LtoR: Alistair Purvey, David Lane, Barrie May, Michael Potter, Horst Buchholz (Chico), Yul Brynner (Chris), Steve McQueen David Sedgwick, Michael Conlan and Greg Wallace. (Vin), Robert Vaughn (Lee) and James Coburn (Britt).
Strava Link
Iceberger John Scanlon recently set-up a Strava Brighton Icebergers link for those Icebergers who are keen to share their swim data. The link can be accessed via:
https://www.strava.com/clubs/brighton-icebergers-767726
Icebergers who are interested in observing the daily feats of our Garmin-accoutred berger-buddies can also access the data via the same link.
The Captains of Industry are Back
The Wednesday 12.30 swims re-commenced on 11/11/2020 with all the usual suspects - Clifford Posner.
Our Groups are Back - by Ria Bleathman
To celebrate the return of swimming in our Iceberger groups, I set to work to find the collective noun for a group of swimmers. Collective nouns exist for all manner of groups - there is a steal of magpies, a business of ferrets, a murder of crows and a boast of barristers but I was surprised to learn that no such collective noun for a group of swimmers, least of all a group of Icebergers.
Even unworthy types have the distinction of their own collective noun; there is a shower of bastards, a density of meatheads and a stumble of drunks. Palindromes are also prevalent. There is a shiver of sharks for a group of sharks and a shark of shivers when wracked by shivering whilst escaping from said sharks.
Given that the mission for the News is to boldly go to the frontiers of etymological galaxies far far away, it is timely to formulate a collective noun for a group of Icebergers.
How about a bevy of bergers to capture the new-found beauty of our re-convened groups or a swag of speedos to reflect our Aussie uniqueness? Or how about a bliss of no-brainers for the sheer joy of swimming without the need to think too much about where we are going, or an asylum of Icebergers given that some believe we might all be a little mad?
Perhaps a collective noun for our Iceberger clans such as a sweetness of chocolate [Royals] or an octave of [isol]eights. Maybe a legend of Figgies or an awesome of Figgies? Suggestions from readers are most welcome.
th 26 November 2020 © RBYC Melbourne Australia
New Clans of Brighton - Bookbergers
In August this year Icebergers Libby O’Farrell and Stephanie Desira established a Bookbergers book- of-the-month reading group to reach out to those Icebergers who were ‘doing iso’ to let them know they were still part of our Iceberger community and that they were greatly missed.
Bookbergers meet each month via Zoom to discuss their interpretations and views of a selected book. The monthly reads have been an eclectic mix of classics, memoir and contemporary:
August September September Ocotober November
Well done Stephanie and Libby for organizing this enthusiastic group and many thanks to fellow Iceberger Clifford Posner who has supported the group with his book suggestions and his ‘click and collect’ service. The Bookbergers are looking forward to soon meeting face to face at RBYC.
This old shed…
Suzy Calley Rupert Hugh-Jones Jenny Vran Ria Bleathman
Letters to the Editor - Jack Mordes The News article of 11 November about Frank Beaurepaire prompted Iceberger Jack Mordes to write: “[Frank] was one of the early presidents of the Melbourne Swimming Club which merged with my water polo club Old Collegians to become Melbourne Collegians Water Polo Club!...and the old Olympic pool in Batman Avenue was called the Beaurepaire pool”.
Letters to the Editor - Ian Lynch (representing the North East Victorian Chapter of the Brighton Icebergers) The last Newsletter of 11 November contained details of phobias relating to open water swimming which prompted Ian to share the following: “Speaking of phobias....most of our “Mexican” Icebergers i.e. south of the border swimmers....are nothing like the Sydney “Icebergers“. We happen to be “Kaoutsoukaphobic” which is a fear of rubber! According to one of our former Brighton members (aka Roy Norris) the Cronulla members are still swimming in rubber in 18C water! BUT he’s definitely not and never will!”
The Iceberger Calendar is back!
Date Event 29th Nov 2020 Grill n Chill at RBYC - swim-off at 4.30pm, drinks 5.30pm, BBQ at 6pm 8th Dec 2020 6.00-7.00pm at RBYC Don Warner’s Book Launch Australian Rules Football An Outsider’s Perspective
th 26 November 2020 © RBYC Melbourne Australia
Iceberger News 10th December 2020 Editor: Ria Bleathman
Melbourne’s year-round open water swimming group
Lead Article – Iceberger Doug Weir – Ninety Good Years On Saturday 28th November 2020 Icebergers young and old and from far and wide came together at RBYC for a surprise celebration of Iceberger Doug Weir’s 90th birthday.
Surprised! Doug and Rosita
Doug was accompanied by his wife Rosita and the celebration was noteworthy due to a heartfelt speech by Iceberger Michael Conlan and a presentation to Doug by Iceberger Alistair Purvey of a commemorative fly, tied in Doug’s honour.
Alistair said: “the fly is named ‘Weir’s Indispensable’ after a famous fly called ‘Tup’s Indispensable’ which was created in 1890 by R. S. Austin of Tiverton, Devon, England. The Tup’s Indispensable continues to this day to catch trout world-wide and, like Doug, is considered both indispensable and necessary”.
Doug and Alistair Speaker Michael Conlan (far right) flanked by an Awesome of Figgies
Michael spoke of the momentous events during Doug’s lifetime including economic and political upheavals, world wars, pandemics, the moon landing and the dawn of the digital age, all while Doug qualified in chemical engineering and achieved career success managing major corporations both in Australia and overseas .
Doug achieved another longevity record recently when he clocked-up 65 years as a member of Royal Melbourne Golf Club. During his time at RMGC he served on the General Council and later introduced bowls to the Club as well as women to the Member’s Bar.
It is a life well-lived! Congratulations Doug from your Iceberger friends.
A special thankyou to cake-makers: Debby Badger, Marie Purvey and Kathy Roberts.
th 10 December 2020 © RBYC Melbourne Australia
The 5.30am Group Doug was also joined by his fellow members of the fabled 5.30am Iceberger Group which comprises himself, Gary Liddell and David Tonkin. Between them they have amassed more than 115 years of swimming at Middle Brighton Baths and RBYC.
Read more about the 5.30am Group in the Iceberger News on 15th May 2020.
LtoR: David Tonkin, Doug Weir and Gary Liddell.
The Weir’s Indispensable - by Alistair Purvey
Hook: Partridge Long Shank Size 10 Working silk: Red Body: Red Floss Hackle: Peacock Blue Collar: Iceberger Blue Tail: Golden Pheasant Tippets Rib: Fine Gold Tinsel Head: Red Silk Weir Clan Crest Colours: Red, Blue and Yellow Gold (Doug’s footy team is Melbourne - Red and Blue) Weir’s Indispensable Weir Clan Motto: Vero Nihil Verius [Truth, Nothing but Truth].
Return Thanks from Doug Weir: I sincerely thank my fellow Icebergers for the celebration on the morning of my 90th birthday. It was most enjoyable to be among a sea of familiar faces. Rosita had no idea I had so many friends.
Special thanks to the ladies who prepared the delicious cakes. Also to Mick Conlan for his kind and thoughtful comments. I will treasure the hand-tied peacock blue "Weirs Indispensable" trout fly which was a big surprise. Thanks Alistair.
Finally, the card Warren prepared was truly a work of art. The comments therein, some hilarious, demonstrated that we Icebergers have a delicious sense of humour. - Doug.
Brobdingnagian Illusions and Delusions – by Ria Bleathman
I asked Icebergers Nick Desira and Sam Paynter to check a recent photo of them at RBYC (Left) for publication in the News.
Sam gave his okay but Nick responded that my photo suffered from a ‘lens problem’ and he then provided me with a corrected version and, in his words, “a far more accurate picture.” (Right) Thanks Nick!
Letters to the Editor - our article about collective nouns prompted the following responses: 1. Alistair Purvey - the Figgies will ‘blunder’ over a collective noun description and request we acknowledge them simply “Magnificent”. 2. the 7.30 Group prompts the rhyme - Alistair’s Armentières from the Roman-derived word for herd. [Ed]
th 10 December 2020 © RBYC Melbourne Australia
Iceberger News 24th December 2020 Editor: Ria Bleathman
Melbourne’s year-round open water swimming group
2020: Our Year in Print from the Editor’s Desk
The Iceberger News has shown how we can weave many unconnected events into a common storyline through the medium of swimming. Our stories have connected ancient histories with local histories. We shared our musings through poetry, literature, memoir, photography, art and even our phobias. We connected the seeming incongruities of football, horse racing and swimming. We made utterances in Latin, Japanese, German, old Saxon and French.
We gave life to the tongue-in-cheek character of George Bogus. We found optimism and humour in the numbing cold of a concrete bunker. We welcomed new members and celebrated our oldest members. We cheered other’s achievements and determinations with the same magnanimity as if they were our own. We asked Are You Okay? We laughed and we cried. We shared each other’s grief.
The Iceberger News enabled us to stay connected even as our traditions were obliterated by the indiscriminate nature of a global pandemic and the austere measures needed to slow its onslaught.
But above all, the Iceberger News enabled us to tell our unique and diverse stories through the ‘universal language’ of swimming and thereby demonstrate that swimming is not only a statement of our common interest but an expression of our shared humanity. Ria Bleathman
2020 Olsen Hooper Summer Handicap at RBYC On Sunday 20th December, the Club held its first official race for the year with the annual Olsen Hooper Summer Handicap. Iceberger Andrew Mulholland (pictured) was adjudged the winner by handicapper Ross MacDowell. Well done to all!
Photo: Sam Paynter Photo: David Brooks
Hokusai and The Great Wave – by Ria Bleathman
This iconic print, known as ‘The Great Wave off Kanagawa’, is part of a series produced in 1830’s Japan by the famous Edo artist Katsushika Hokusai.
When I first viewed The Great Wave in the National Gallery, I was drawn to the raw power and fury of the sea.
The boat crew is rendered insignificant as they are inconsequentially tossed aside. All the while, Mt Fuji remains calm and unchanging but also distant and seemingly out of reach.
For many open water swimmers, this is not an unfamiliar image, nor an unfamiliar scenario, and a reminder that the sea can be at once sublime and serene yet turn capricious and unforgiving.
The Great Wave was voted the fourth most popular work at the Gallery, a fact which I found re-assuring in that I can, after all, relate to high-art even though it was due to looking at life through the prism of an open water swimmer.
th 24 December 2020 © RBYC Melbourne Australia
Photo of the Year 2020 – Editor’s Pick of the Pics
This photograph was taken by Iceberger Suzy Calley in early March when our sense of foreboding about the virus outbreak was at its most potent. The photo became a prescient image for ‘our year of the plague’.
The photo captures a diminishing Melbourne city overwhelmed by the darkening clouds of uncertainty as if cowering under the weight-full enormity of this growing scourge
The strong foreground creates depth to the image and re- orients our maligned and marginalised Yarra River to a new status in our vision of the city. The black riparian framing enhances the reflections and introduces a strong metaphor to the image as the river was to become a place to reflect during lockdown.
The photo applies the ‘rule of thirds’ and a near-far compositional style. The horizontal skyline creates a kinesis with the diagonal foreground of the river which introduces a movement dynamic into an otherwise static image. Congratulations Suzy!
Left: Photo by Suzy Calley
Kerry Watson’s run of swims
Iceberger Kerry Watson’s continuous daily swims during Autumn, Winter and Spring of 2020 has now ended at an awe-inspiring figure of 285.
Achieving 285 uninterrupted swims is a mighty effort which Kerry maintained during lockdown restrictions and the closure of our clubrooms.
Kerry’s humble response for setting such a benchmark was “records are made to be broken” which is a quote attributable to, amongst others, swim legend Mark Spitz. Well done Kerry!
Left: Kerry’s 217th
Ingilby Dickson and Swimming Buddy - Anglesea
Photo credits with kind permission: Raoul Mulder and Chris Porter.
The Iceberger Calendar
Date Event 21st February 2021 Pier to Perignon 4km Ocean Swim No. 33. Link: https://portseasurf.com.au/p2p-2021/
th 24 December 2020 © RBYC Melbourne Australia
Year of the Iceberger - MMXX