Birchington
An invite has been issued to join the dip on Minnis Bay beach at 10am Christmas morning. Swimmers will meet at the slipway opposite the Waves / Minnis Bay Bar & Brasserie. Christmas fancy dress optional.
Western Undercliff
The annual dip at the Western Undercliff takes place on December 29. Dipper meet on the beach at 11am ready to go in the sea by about 11:30am. Simon Spencer will be putting on food for the dippers at the Hotel De Ville pub.
Viking Bay
More than 100 brrrr-ave swimmers will be starting the New Year with a splash as they plunge into the sea at Viking Bay on New Year’s Day.
The annual dip raises funds for Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF) and is organised by Jill and Ken Connell. The duo, who ran the town’s Neptune Hall pub for 17 years, are this year inviting swimmers to meet at the Dolphin Inn instead.
Jill said: “We’re delighted that our friends at The Dolphin are helping us to continue the tradition. We’re asking people to meet there at 11.45am ready to run into the sea at 12pm. Everyone is then invited back to The Dolphin for some warming curry and live music.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming plenty of swimmers and spectators. It’s a great way to start the New Year so come on down to the beach and help us raise money for a fantastic cause.”
Alison Taylor, Chief Executive of CLDF added: “We are the only UK charity dedicated to fighting all forms of childhood liver disease and we rely on voluntary donations. The Broadstairs New Year’s Day dip is a wonderful tradition which has raised over £58,000 over the years – a tremendous amount for a small charity like ours. Good luck to everyone who is braving the chilly waters for us that day!”
The New Year’s Day dip is open to anyone. Participants can either get sponsorship in advance (available from The Dolphin) or go along on the day and enter by making a £10 donation to CLDF. For further information contact Ken Connell on 0750 5094631
For more information on CLDF visit childliverdisease.org.
Ramsgate
In Ramsgate New Year’s Day dippers can meet at the Queen’s Head pub on the seafront before dashing into the waves from the main sands.
The annual event raises cash for Ronald McDonald Houses in memory of baby Joseph Brown. The Queen’s Head pub hosts the event and provides hot soup and rolls afterwards.
John and Vicki Boyle started the Dip in 2013 after they lost son Joseph in November 2012.
To join the dip meet in the Queen’s Head at 11am on New Year’s Day,
Walpole Bay
In Margate the Walpole Bay Swimmers will plunge into the tidal pool on New Year’s day at noon.
The group warns that water temperature will be very cold, possibly 5 to 8 degrees, and there are no changing or other facilities and no lifeguards at the pool.