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Christmas morning swim in the Serpentine
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Christmas morning swim in the Serpentine
Page from the Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News featuring various sketches of the Christmas morning swimming handicap in the Serpentine in Hyde Park. Pictures show Mr Rowley, the Honorary Secretary, looking officious with his notepad, a police officer and pond attendant, a man skipping to restore warmth, the start (R. J. Lobb won with a twenty-five second start), free Oxo available to all swimmers and after the race, a rush for towels and warm clothes! Date: 1904
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Media ID 23275000
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Cold Diving Exercise Freezing Hyde Morning Nov19 Pond Serpentine Start Starting Swim Swimmers Tradition
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A Traditional Christmas Morning Swim in Hyde Park's Serpentine Lake, 1904 This image is taken from the pages of the Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News, showcasing the annual Christmas morning swimming handicap in the Serpentine lake located in London's Hyde Park. The tradition of braving the freezing waters on December 25th had long been a popular pastime for the hearty and adventurous. In this scene, Mr. Rowley, the Honorary Secretary, stands officiously with his notepad, ensuring that the rules of the race are strictly adhered to. A police officer and pond attendant are on hand to maintain order and safety. A man, eager to restore warmth to his chilled body, skips alongside the lake, his laughter echoing through the crisp morning air. The race itself is about to begin, with R. J. Lobb poised for a twenty-five second start. The swimmers, bundled up in their bathing suits, await the signal with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. Free Oxo, a popular brand of beef extract, is available to all participants to help warm them up after the race. Once the starter's gun goes off, the swimmers plunge into the frigid water, their bodies momentarily shocked by the cold. The race is on! Afterward, a rush for towels and warm clothes ensues, with the swimmers eager to regain their body heat as quickly as possible. This photograph captures the spirit of camaraderie and tradition that defined the Christmas morning swim in the Serpentine lake, a beloved London institution that continues to draw crowds to this day.
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