Geograph - photograph every grid square

What a difference 11 years can make as can be seen from this photograph, taken after a delightful renovation in 2018, and the photograph shown at Link Established in 1930, the Swimming Club are well known for their traditional New Years Day dip in the North Sea. The following poem appeared in the 2019-published book, `Tyne Anew Celebrating Public Art in North Tyneside`:

Hey, look at us
(Panama Swimming Club)

Hey, look at us
hairy-chested freestylers
on Whitley`s wild coast
all-weather water babes
stripped ready for a dip
we are open water bathers
as tough as Old Nick.

Hey, look at us,
we defy Nature`s Laws.

Just look at us
in our goggles and hats
and slim Speedo suits
we are cold water athletes
stronger than nails
we are harder than rock
as slippery as seals.

Hey, look at us
and our pale northern skin.

Just look at us
as the tide ebbs and flows
and the breakers roll in
we are four-season swimmers
with steel in our veins
who ride the white horses
on a rough North Sea swell.

Hey, look at us!

The poem was written by Geoff Holland

For a selection of detailed free to download walking routes in the area visit Link