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OSS Swim the Thames #41 - Spade Oak to Bourne End - 11:00am Sunday 20 January 2013
by Jeremy Wellingham 14 Jan '13

14 Jan '13

Notropis rubellus of the Thames, for the second time of asking! Please join Sef and me in celebrating the start of 2013 with a token 1 km (or 1.5km) swim towards our target of the end of the Thames, where ever that may be. The Thames ismore settled at 128 m^3/s today (Down from the outrageous 181m^3/son Christmas Eve) and a toasty 9ºC, according to Maidenhead Rowing Club(I'm not sure I believe that and afterthis week's forecast it is sure to be less bynext Sunday.) There are Red Boards out on the Thames for this area today but a smattering of Yellows are beginning to appear up stream so hopefully all will be well on Sunday. * *This route has been reconnoitred under fast flow conditions by our intrepid Expeditionary Force 5 at the end of last year and although the stream was fast in the middle of the river the entry and exit points were found to be relatively sheltered - just mind the bridge piers at Bourne End. On the bright side, there aren't any weirs to be negotiated. This is part of Swim 60 fromMichael Worthington's /'*I ? the Thames*' / * We'll meet at **Bourne End station car park at 11:00am on Sunday 20th January 2013:** ** **http://goo.gl/maps/b3pnv* This will cost £2 for all day but is as near to our exit point as possible. We'll appreciate this when we get out. To warm up we'll walk down to the river and then along the Thames path to Spade Oak, where we got out last time. This will be familiar to those who have been on the two previous Thamesswims. We'll jump/ tip toe cautiously in to the riverhere: *http://goo.gl/maps/iCKhv* and swim about a 1km down to the railway bridge and exit on theright past therailway bridge immediately past a gate on the footpath - don't forget to butterflyunder the bridge! - just here: *http://goo.gl/maps/LOJoK* Or, if we're feeling strong we can carry on another0.5km to a wide beach on the right for an easy exit here: Your choice, depending on temperature. *http://goo.gl/maps/d7TZq* Next we'll cross over the river on the railway bridgefootpath and back to the station car park to get changed. To start off the swimming New year Ann Chance will generously be hosting refreshments at her house - directions handed out on the day. Please Bring Your Own Booze (BYOB)- hopefully there is still a little left over fromthe festivitiesand a Big Thanks to Ann. Looking forward to seeing everyone againwith a great start to 2013 when we should complete our non-tidal Thames journey. Any thoughts on what happens after that? Jeremy and Sef and the Percina shumardi of the Thames ------------------------------------------------- OSS Oxon mailing list: OSSOxon(a)earth.li <mailto:OSSOxon@earth.li> http://www.earth.li/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/ossoxon By joining any jolly jaunt with Jeremy and Sef you agree to abide by the Outdoor Swimming Society's Swim Responsibility Statement: http://www.outdoorswimmingsociety.com/index.php?p=swimming_tips&s=responsib… Before signing up to join the OSS or partaking in any swims mentioned on this site or the Outdoor Swimming Society facebook page, please read the OSS swim responsibility statement. By signing up to join the society, or participating in any swims, or using any material on the Wild swim map you confirm that you have read and understand the OSS swim responsibility statement and accept its terms.

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OSS Swim the Thames #41 - Spade Oak to Bourne End - 11:00am Sunday 9 December 2012
by Jeremy Wellingham 07 Dec '12

07 Dec '12

Notropis rubellus of the Thames, We are near to mid winter and we will celebrate with a token 1 km swim towards our target of the end of the Thames, where ever that may be. The Thames is in full flood at 144 m^3/s today (Down from 168m^3/slast weekend) and a toasty 4ºC, according to Maidenhead Rowing Club. And the red boards are out for the whole length of the Thames! * **We will assess the conditionsat the weekend and may have to postpone the swim if conditionsarestill toowild. Keep an eye open for updates via OSSOxon, OSSRATS and the OSS Thames Facebook page.* * We'll meet at **Bourne End station car park at 11:00am on Sunday 9 December:** ** **http://goo.gl/maps/b3pnv* This will cost £2 for all day but is as near to our exit point as possible. We'll appreciate this when we get out. To warm up we'll walk down to the river and then along the Thames path to Spade Oak, where we got out last time. This will be familiar to those who have been on the two previous Thamesswims. We'll jump/ tip toe cautiously in to the riverhere: http://goo.gl/maps/iCKhv and swim about a 1km down to the railway bridge and exit on theright past therailway bridge immediately past a gate on the footpath - don't forget to butterflyunder the bridge! - just here: http://goo.gl/maps/LOJoK Next we'll cross over the river on the railway bridgefootpath and back to the station car park to get changed. Ann Chance will kindly be hosting refreshments at her house - directions handed out on the day. Big Thanks to Ann. Jeremy and Sef and the Percina shumardi of the Thames ------------------------------------------------- OSS Oxon mailing list: OSSOxon(a)earth.li <mailto:OSSOxon@earth.li> http://www.earth.li/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/ossoxon By joining any jolly jaunt with Jeremy and Sef you agree to abide by the Outdoor Swimming Society's Swim Responsibility Statement: http://www.outdoorswimmingsociety.com/index.php?p=swimming_tips&s=responsib… Before signing up to join the OSS or partaking in any swims mentioned on this site or the Outdoor Swimming Society facebook page, please read the OSS swim responsibility statement. By signing up to join the society, or participating in any swims, or using any material on the Wild swim map you confirm that you have read and understand the OSS swim responsibility statement and accept its terms.

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OSS Swim the Thames #40 - Downstream from Marlow to Spade Oak (Bourne End) - 11:00am Sunday 18 November 2012
by Jeremy Wellingham 12 Nov '12

12 Nov '12

Cool Fish of the Thames, It's now well and truly winter and we enter our reduced swimming regime, both in frequency and distance and a *l**ater*start at *11:00am*. As it may be cool - Maidenhead RowingClubwater temperature is hovering around 8^o currently - we will be doing some walking to warm up! November's swim is a modest 1.8k picking up from where, some of us, left off at the end of the last swim. I know, I know, some of you did a bit more last time but a swims a swim and you'll be able to swim through that nice warm patch again! *We'll me**et at the car park at Spade **Oak* at *11:00am*, the same place as the last swim: http://goo.gl/maps/yQ3Iu and then we'll walk down to the getting in point whichhopefully will be identified by Adam here: http://goo.gl/maps/YA9bC We'll swim back to the car park, not forgetting to exit here: http://goo.gl/maps/iCKhv Get changed and a brisk jog down to The Bounty for lunch, where we have a table booked for around two. http://goo.gl/maps/jK7q3 Jeremy and Sef and the friendly Otters of the Thames ------------------------------------------------- OSS Oxon mailing list: OSSOxon(a)earth.li <mailto:OSSOxon@earth.li> http://www.earth.li/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/ossoxon By joining any jolly jaunt with Jeremy and Sef you agree to abide by the Outdoor Swimming Society's Swim Responsibility Statement: http://www.outdoorswimmingsociety.com/index.php?p=swimming_tips&s=responsib… Before signing up to join the OSS or partaking in any swims mentioned on this site or the Outdoor Swimming Society facebook page, please read the OSS swim responsibility statement. By signing up to join the society, or participating in any swims, or using any material on the Wild swim map you confirm that you have read and understand the OSS swim responsibility statement and accept its terms.

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OSS Swim the Thames #39: Higginson Park to the Bounty, Bourne End
by Sefryn Penrose 25 Oct '12

25 Oct '12

THE CLOCKS ARE GOING BACK... The nights are drawing in... The temperature has dropped... Tis Hallowe'en, The ghouls are abroad. There's nothing for it, But to eat a lot of garlic and take a bracing dip in the Thames eh what? Meet at 10am this Sunday, the 28th October at Spade Oak, http://goo.gl/maps/BcFjL (Spade Oak car park) We'll then shuttle up to here: http://goo.gl/maps/Ea5Me (car park Pound lane / Court Garden) in Marlow adjacent to Higginson park. We'll get in here, just before the man made quay: http://goo.gl/maps/z5bSI Then we'll swim back down towards Spade Oak / Bourne End and any one of these exit beaches as they appeal. They are in the 2.5 – 3k range: http://goo.gl/maps/MJUuX http://goo.gl/maps/J21fv http://goo.gl/maps/24Y6K http://goo.gl/maps/RuHW0 We'll then trundle off to the Bounty where we are booked for lunch. http://thebountypub.com/index.html Mutineers will not be tolerated. A plank will be supplied. It's going to be cold. Jeremy and Sef and the black ghost knifefish of the Bounty ------------------------------------------------- OSS Oxon mailing list: OSSOxon(a)earth.li http://www.earth.li/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/ossoxon By joining any jolly jaunt with Jeremy and Sef you agree to abide by the Outdoor Swimming Society's Swim Responsibility Statement: http://www.outdoorswimmingsociety.com/index.php?p=swimming_tips&s=responsib… Before signing up to join the OSS or partaking in any swims mentioned on this site or the Outdoor Swimming Society facebook page, please read the OSS swim responsibility statement. By signing up to join the society, or participating in any swims, or using any material on the Wild swim map you confirm that you have read and understand the OSS swim responsibility statement and accept its terms.

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OSS Swim the Thames #38 - Frogmill (Hurley) to Higginson Park (Marlow) - 10:00am Sunday 14 October 2012
by Sefryn Penrose 11 Oct '12

11 Oct '12

Oyez! Oyez! News of the long-awaited mid-October swim #38. Citizens of OSS Thames assemble at the car park (Pound lane / Court Garden) in Marlow adjacent to Higginson park at 10 of the clock, this sabbath day, Sunday 14th October, the year of our Lord, 2012, for the annual two and four fifths of a mile swim (4.6 of your French kilometres). Bring three old florins (or new pounds) for those carriages which will be stabled here (£3.00 for 6 hours): http://goo.gl/maps/Ea5Me Citizens of OSS Thames, change into ceremonial garb and be relaid in selected chariots, to the Free Car Park of Hurley: http://goo.gl/maps/0Zsml Citizens of OSS Thames process in company to yon Frogmill Spinney, and the fabled beach with the wooden bench, whereat citizens, plunge! http://goo.gl/maps/hsy4m Citizens of OSS Thames swim to Hurley lock, keeping well to the right on the way past the weir as is the age-old custom. Thence, onwards to Temple Lock where loving waterside folk will bestow upon ye the sugared delicacies known as 'elevenses'. After Temple Lock, swim to Higginson Park. But beware citizens, the October chill. Exeunt promptly at earlier points should the cold set in; at about half way between Temple Lock and the Higginson Park exit: http://goo.gl/maps/IuAQq on the (left) bank afore Bisham Abbey Sailing and Navigation School which venerable institution sits upon the opposite bank; Or, a short way on: http://goo.gl/maps/Vc15c Hardy citizens, if thou blubber does permit, the exit at Higginson Park be here: http://goo.gl/maps/U5KJt Scramble out onto the man made quay, assisted by waterside angels and those known as 'tri-types'. Citizens, undress from ceremonial garb revealing glowing and healthy flesh to passers-by. Shuttle back to Hurley to retrieve carriages and thence to the *Flower Pot*, the traditional October hostelry favoured by popular demand. http://goo.gl/maps/9q7ce Then eat, drink, and be merry and warm again. This notice by decree of Citizens Wellingham and Penrose and the citizen flathead pygmy stargazers of Frogmill* * ------------------------------------------------- OSS Oxon mailing list: OSSOxon(a)earth.li http://www.earth.li/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/ossoxon By joining any jolly jaunt with Jeremy and Sef you agree to abide by the Outdoor Swimming Society's Swim Responsibility Statement: http://www.outdoorswimmingsociety.com/index.php?p=swimming_tips&s=responsib… Before signing up to join the OSS or partaking in any swims mentioned on this site or the Outdoor Swimming Society facebook page, please read the OSSswim responsibility statement. By signing up to join the society, or participating in any swims, or using any material on the Wild swim map you confirm that you have read and understand the OSS swim responsibility statement and accept its terms.

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OSS Swim the Thames #36 Hambledon Lock to Frogmill Spinney
by Sefryn Penrose 30 Sep '12

30 Sep '12

Dear Thamesers, It can’t have escaped anyone’s notice that the seasons have changed dramatically – seemingly there was a summer after all. I kicked a conker on my way to the station this morning, and the water temperature has dropped a few degrees. As the nights draw in, we continue our way to merry Maidenhead for the next seasonal shift. With autumnal hoolies and home counties woollies we must zip up our parkas and brace ourselves against the gales of tricky logistics that autumn brings if we are to harvest our riparian fruits. Meet this Sunday 30th at the public carpark in Hurley next to the church at 10am http://goo.gl/maps/0Zsml and change (discreetly). We’ll shuttle to the Flower Pot Inn at Aston (marked A): http://goo.gl/maps/9q7ce Walk a little way up to the lock, and swim down to Frogmill Spinney and this beach at Riverside Picnic Grounds in Hurley, a distance of 4.2km. http://goo.gl/maps/hsy4m And walk back to the carpark to change. Afterwards, we'll shuttle back to the Flower Pot at Aston for lunch. They don't take bookings but insist that since the weather's going to be fine we can sit outside. However, it might not have escaped your notice that the weather hasn't been great so tune in on Friday evening for confirmation that we're going ahead. At present the EA is showing the yellow, caution stream increasing, boards and should it get up to the red board we'll taking a raincheck. Yours, Jeremy and Sef and the half-naked hatchetfish of Hurley ------------------------------------------------- OSS Oxon mailing list: OSSOxon(a)earth.li http://www.earth.li/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/ossoxon By joining any jolly jaunt with Jeremy and Sef you agree to abide by the Outdoor Swimming Society's Swim Responsibility Statement: http://www.outdoorswimmingsociety.com/index.php?p=swimming_tips&s=responsib… Before signing up to join the OSS or partaking in any swims mentioned on this site or the Outdoor Swimming Society facebook page, please read the OSS swim responsibility statement. By signing up to join the society, or participating in any swims, or using any material on the Wild swim map you confirm that you have read and understand the OSS swim responsibility statement and accept its terms.

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OSS Swim the Thames: swims #34 and #35
by Bruce Pen 18 Sep '12

18 Sep '12

Greetings Thameslings, Our progress along the Thames inexorably continues this week. Through our persistence and aggressive strokes we will soon have conquered Henley, home of boatists. On and on we go, devouring the kilometres, sweeping all before us in our assault on the capital. We will swim on Saturday and Sunday, remorselessly beating forth. We'll set up our camp overnight at Cookham (to conduct a recce of our future downstream conquests while we're there). *Saturday* *8th September* Meet at Marsh Lock carpark at *2pm* (eat before you come - nothing was ever won on an empty stomach). We'll shuttle down to Shiplake Lock and walk to Shiplake College to begin. Parking at Marsh Lock, Henley: http://goo.gl/maps/s9pKn ** We'll swim down to Marsh Lock - a distance of approx 5.25km. *Sunday 9th September *Meet at Hambledon carpark at *10am* and we'll shuttle to Marsh Lock to begin. Parking at Hambleden Lock: http://goo.gl/maps/bWatu This swim is also about 5.25km. Pub lunch after. We'll be camping at Cookham Lock. If you haven't already, let us know as a matter of urgency if you intend to camp. There is limited space. Please watch out for timing alterations for Saturday's start-time - there are rumours of a regatta that I am trying to pin-down.... If anything it will be a matter of half an hour rather than a big change. Jeremy and Sef and the invasive species of the middle Thames. ----------------------------- OSS Oxon mailing list OSSOxon(a)earth.li http://www.earth.li/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/ossoxon Please note that OSS Oxon exists to put swimmers in touch with other swimmers, not to organise swim events or in any way suggest that outdoor swimming is a safe activity or that you should go swimming. If you choose to swim you do so entirely at your own risk and on your own initiative, and any plans you make are your own responsibility.

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OSS Swim the Thames #32 and #33
by Sefryn Penrose 02 Sep '12

02 Sep '12

Dear Olympians, Herewith the details for this weekend's marathon efforts with apologies for the delay: *Saturday* *11th *Meet *10.00am* at River View, Purley, https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.466053,-1.014091&num=1&t=h&z=17 We will then leave as few cars as possible at River View - which is the end of the swim - with all dry gear and shuttle up to the beginning of the swim at Pangbourne River Meadow Carpark, as per swim 31. http://goo.gl/maps/MCyn If you are not intending to stay for lunch afterwards, then you may want to make sure you leave your motor at River View. >From Pangbourne we'll swim down to Mapledurham for a munch stop, and then on down to River View. We'll get changed and shuttle back up to Pangbourne for lunch. This swim is 6.5km. *Camping *For those who are camping, I've booked us into the Mapledurham Estate. We need to arrive between 2 and 5 so we'll go there after lunch. Camping is a bit complicated as if we take vehicles into the estate we will not be able to drive out on Sunday except between 2 and 5. I will take Bertie in, Chris will take his car in. It would be good if one or two peeps could leave their cars outside - I think we can park near the church - so that we campers can be shuttled to the Sunday swim. We'll then return Sunday afternoon for the rest of the cars. *Sunday 12th *Meet *10.00am *at this carpark at Thames Valley Park, Reading. http://goo.gl/maps/sLPuK We will leave as many cars as possible here at the end spot and shuttle up to the start at River View in as few cars - leaving dry gear at TVP. We'll then swim down from River View and stop for a break at Caversham Lock. This swim is 6km. Both swims are long but will take us through Reading nicely to avoid the Reading Festival for our next swim. If the swim distances seem challenging, it is our intention that we take it easy and break as often as needed, access permitting. See you then, Yours, Sef, Jeremy and the Pangbourne Perch of the River Thames _________________ OSS Oxon mailing list OSSOxon(a)earth.li http://www.earth.li/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/ossoxon Please note that OSS Oxon exists to put swimmers in touch with other swimmers, not to organise swim events or in any way suggest that outdoor swimming is a safe activity or that you should go swimming. If you choose to swim you do so entirely at your own risk and on your own initiative, and any plans you make are your own responsibility.

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Full moon swim
by Sefryn Penrose 30 Aug '12

30 Aug '12

Tonight is the second August full moon, something that only occurs once in a, well, BLUE MOON. So, brought to you by the Abingdon Collective of OSS Thames, swim into the blue full moon.... Meet at Rye Farm carpark (at the green arrow): http://goo.gl/maps/yB73q<http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fgoo.gl%2Fmaps%2FyB73q&h=QAQGr5…> just across the bridge from Abingdon town, at 7.30pm this evening. There will then be a swim down from the lock, and afterwards a couple of drinks in the pub... it's only once in a blue moon. https://www.facebook.com/events/258106720975583/ ------------ http://www.outdoorswimmingsociety.com/index.php?p=swimming_tips&s=responsib… Before signing up to join the OSS or partaking in any swims mentioned on this site or the Outdoor Swimming Society facebook page, please read the OSS swim responsibility statement. By signing up to join the society, or participating in any swims, or using any material on the Wild swim map you confirm that you have read and understand the OSS swim responsibility statement and accept its terms.

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OSS Swim the Thames #34 - TVP to Shiplake College
by Sefryn Penrose 23 Aug '12

23 Aug '12

Captains Log Swimdate #34 Reading. The final frontier. On our three year quest aboard the OSS Thames we boldly go where no manatees have gone before, the bold crew of the giant swimfleet explores the excitement of strange new whilrpools, uncharted beach-stops, and exotic weeds. These are our voyages and adventures: Meet at *Shiplake church at 10am on Sunday 26th *(there is parking along the road opposite the church). http://goo.gl/maps/cSoIT We will leave as many moon buggies here as possible here, and a few at Shiplake College boathouse with our drysuits. We will shuttle to Thames Valley Park for the start of the swim. We'll swim down to Sonning Lock (2.4km) and stop for cucumber sandwiches, then down to the 'Wires' (3.7km) for proper refuelling and stopping for anyone who wants a shorter stretch. There is another opportunity for an exit at 5.2km - if you want to do this, we'll put a car on the right bank so let us know before hand. Final frontier at Shiplake College, *6km*. Then, one of our delightful swimfleet crew, Lieutenant Tuckett has offered barbecue facilities in her quarters on nearby planet Knowl Hill. Bring barbecuables. Be aware that it is Reading festival and the Kling-ons may be in great number on the inter-gallactic highways. Captains J.T. Wellingham and S-F Penquard and the aquanauts of the OSS Thames. With especial assistance from lieutenants 'There be whales here!' Lindsey, 'It's life Charles, but not as we know it' Sharon, 'Ye cannae change the laws of physics' Charles, and 'Beam me up' Neil. ------------------------------- OSS Oxon mailing list OSSOxon(a)earth.li http://www.earth.li/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/ossoxon Please note that OSS Oxon exists to put swimmers in touch with other swimmers, not to organise swim events or in any way suggest that outdoor swimming is a safe activity or that you should go swimming. If you choose to swim you do so entirely at your own risk and on your own initiative, and any plans you make are your own responsibility.

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