DURDLE DOOR

WHAT IS DURDLE DOOR?

DURDLE DOOR is a sea arch off the Dorset coast.

Sea arches are formed by the effects of wave action. It is a little known fact that in storms the pressure against a sheer cliff face may be in the region of 30 tons per sq metre. The water initially attacks weakness in the rock which can form caves. If you get two caves on opposite sides of a headland that eventually run into one another, the result will be an arch like Durdle Door (inf. "I Spy Book of the Seashore").

*PLEASE NOTE.

SWIM THE DOOR 2010*

Due to "popular" demand STD will once again take place this year. It will take place over the weekend of 12th and 13th. This will avoid schools half term and mean we can catch an England World cup game. Further details to be announced after Easter.

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SWIM THE DOOR 2009*

Swims were held on Friday 5th (c. 5pm), Saturday 6th (from 1pm until the "incident") and Sunday 7th (from 1pm until 6pm.

CONDITIONS THIS YEAR

Weather and sea conditions were more challenging than many of the previous STD years. These resulted in a low number of swimmers attempting STD this year and probably combined to result in the "incident". Ironically, there were reports of sunshine and flat seas before everyone arrived and after everyone left (inf. Digger pers. comm.).

WHO ON EARTH ATTENDED?

Attendess came from Bedfordshire (Zoe, Mark, Taran, Maya, Helen, Mark, Christiane & Digger), Buckinghamshire (Jonny C), Leicestershire (Jo, Toby, Danny), Plymouth (Collette), London (JT, Jono, Diane, Alex, Heidi, Phil), Brighton (Ron, Syann, Ella, Megan, Justin), Oxford (Rog), Woking (Sandra, Graham & Emily), Kent (Tasha), Petersfield (Diana, Andrew & Harry), Guildford (Rolfe), Dorset (Julia, Russell, Chloe, Mike, Ciorstaidh, Alex) and various rescue services.

"ROLE OF HONOUR"

Due to the "incident" the Role of Honour this year is dedicated to the various people who helped:

• Mark (Phillips)- for operating the rescue canoe with great skill

• Diana (Jepson)- for putting her nursing skills into action

• Julia (Jepson)- for suggesting it was time to call 999

• NHS first response team- for a very quick response time

• Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance- for bringing a doctor to the scene

• NHS Ambulances- for attendance and taking Zoe to hospital

• HM Coastguard- for turning up and taking Mark away

• Jono (White)- for taxi service to/from Dorchester A&E

• Neil- for emotional support for Zoe (and presumably Mark) at Dorchester A&E

• Diane (White)- for looking after Zoe's kids while she was in Dorchester Hospital with Mark

• To everyone who decided not to attempt STD- although I know you will be disappointed this probably helped us when the "incident" happened

• To everyone else- for staying calm and not getting in the way

"THE SWIMMERS"

Digger (Fri, Sa & Su. 1abort xSTD on Sat due to "incident"), Jo (Sat 2x STD), Christiane (Sat 2x STD, Sun 2 x STD), Toby (Sat 1x STD), Dan (Sat 1x STD), Collette (Sat 1abort STD), Helen (Sat. 1abort STD, Sun 1xSTD), Rolfe (Sat. 1abort STD), JT (Sat 1abort STD), Phil (Sun 1xSTD) and finally Mark Jones (Sat. 1major abort STD)

STD2010

Due to this years "incident" it is only right that we review whether to hold STD again. Suggestions have already been received to reduce the risks. These include: 1."permit to swim" system, 2. large donation to Dorset NHS and HM Coastguard, 3. moving the event to somewhere warmer i.e the Caribbean.

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SWIM THE DOOR VETERANS*

(Veterans have more than 10 STDs to their name over at least five years)

!!!! WHAT VETERANS HAVE SAID REGARDING THE "SWIM THE DOOR" EXPERIENCE !!!!

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RUSSELL

(1998, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008)

"Every time I 'Swim the Door' it makes me feel buoyant again"

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JT

(1999, 2001, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 abort)

"Before I 'Swam the Door' my life had no meaning, but then a door opened to a whole new world".

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JULIA

(1998, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006)

"After I 'Swam the Door' in 2006 it opens a new door in my life because I fell pregnant and now fear the implications of doing another STD"

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HELEN, SANDRA AND ROG

"The water just gets hotter and hotter every year" (ed. well I think thats what they said!!)

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CHRISTIANE

(2005 incl. participant in the 100th STD of that year, 2006, 2007, 2009)

"It was a bit scary but I went with the flow and can definitely confirm that 'Swim the Door' veterans do it in the sea".

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RON

(Easter 2000 in Force 9 gale, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008)

"With regard 'Swim the Door' I never get carried away and knew I wouldn't die in a silly doorway"

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DIGGER

(1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002?, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009)

"In an unstable and rapidly changing world it has provided me with considerable stability in a fluid sort of way. Also I have nothing else to do and it is my event so I guess I had no choice but to turn up".

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SWIM THE DOOR 2008*

Swims were held on Friday 6th (c. 5pm), Saturday 7th (from midday till 5pm) and Sunday 8th (from midday ish till 6pm incl. Little Door) June. Conditions were excellent in terms of sunshine but the water was a little rougher than usual on the Saturday so a big "well done" to everyone who got round.

WHO ON EARTH ATTENDED?

Swimmers attended from Bath (Kelly & Lee), Bedfordshire (Zoe, Mark, Helen, Mark & Digger), Buckinghamshire (Jonny C), Holt (Parrott & family), London (JT & Jono), Brighton (Ron, Syann, Ella, Justine), Oxford (Rog), Woking (Sandra, Graham & Emily), Petersfield (Diana, Andrew & Harry), Manchester (Mark, Tahira & Sophia), Guildford (Rolfe), Dorset (Julia, Russell, Chloe, Mike and Ciorstaidh) and The Internet (Mandy and The PeakPayroll2)

"ROLE OF HONOUR"

Diana (Sat. 1x STD), Digger (Fri, Sa & Su. 15x STD, 1x little door), Graham (Sat. 1x STD), Helen (Sat. 1xSTD + canoe assists), Johnny (Fri 1x STD, Sat. 3x STD), JT (Sat. 1x STD), Kelly (Sat. 1x STD), Lee (Sat. 1xSTD), Mandy (Sat. 3x STD), Mark P (Sat. 3x STD canoe assists), Mark (Sat. 1x STD), Rog (Sat. 2x STD), Rolfe (Sat. 5x STD, Sun 5xSTD, 1x little door), Ron (Sat. 1x STD), Sandra (Sat. 1x STD), Russell (Sat. 1x STD), Syann (Sat. 1x STD), Zoe (Sat. 1x aborted STD), Inflatable elephant, dolphin, donkey, zebra (Sat. 1x STD)

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SWIM THE DOOR 2007*

WHO ON EARTH ATTENDED?

Swimmers from all walks of life attended including accountants, archaeologists, business people, travel guides, computer people, housewives, mechanics, nurses, physicists, teachers, rights of way officers, students, solicitors and, of course, one of the people who sells tea at Anfield.

WHERE DID PEOPLE COME FROM?

Swimmers attended from Anfield (Dave S), Rugby (David G, The Woodings), Bedfordshire (Zoe, Catherine, Helen, Mark, Christiane, Digger, James, Matt & Richard), Buckinghamshire (Jonny C), London (JT, Ron, Syann, Jono, Diane, Alison, Catherine), Chesterfield (Chloe), Woking (Sandra and Graham), Petersfield (Diana and Andrew), Manchester (Mark) AND Dorset it self (Lorraine, Alan, Nathan, Mike and Ciorstaidh).

STD07 "ROLE OF HONOUR"

ALL STATISTICS PROVIDED HERE ARE LIABLE OPEN TO INTERPRETATION!

Alison (Sat. 3x STD), Andrew (Sat. 1x STD assist), Catherine (Sat. 3x STD), Chloe (Sat. 2x STD), Christiane (Sat & Sun. 10 x STD), Dave S (Sat. 2x STD), David G (Fri, Sat & Sun. 8 x STD), Diana (Sat. 3x STD), Digger (Fri, Sa & Su. 20x STD), Graham (Sat. 1x STD), Harry (Sat. 1x assist STD), Helen (Sat & Sun. 5x STD + canoe assists), James (Sat. 2x STD), Johnny (Sat. 3x STD), Joscelyn (Sat. 3x STD), JT (tbc), Mark F (Sun. 2x STD), Mark P (Sat. 2x STD + canoe assists), Matt (Sat. 2x STD), Neil W (Sat. 1x STD), Pamela (Sat. 1x STD), Rob (Sat. 1x STD), Rog (Sat. 2x STD), Ron (Sat. 1x STD), Sandra (Sat. 3x STD), Syann (Sat. 1x STD), Zoe (Sat. 1x STD)

SEE BOTTOM OF PAGE FOR "LITTLE DOOR" SWIM

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SWIM THE DOOR 2006*

WHEN?

Swims were held at 5pm on Friday 9th June, midday on Saturday 10th June (pre World Cup Footy) and midday on Sunday 11th June 2006. *

WHO ON EARTH ATTENDED?

Swimmers from all walks of life attended including accountants, archaeologists, business people, community workers, computer people, geologists, housewives, mechanics, nurses, physicists, probation officers, rights of way officers, students, solicitors and even a person who still sells tea at Anfield.

WHERE DID PEOPLE COME FROM?

Swimmers attended from Anfield (Dave S), Rugby (David G), Bedfordshire (Zoe, Helen, Mark, Christiane, Digger), Buckinghamshire (Jonny C), London (JT, Ron, Syann, Jono, Diane, Alison), Woking (Sandra and Graham), Petersfield (Diana and Andrew), AND Dorset it self (Julia and Russell).

STD06 "ROLE OF HONOUR"

ALL STATISTICS PROVIDED HERE ARE LIABLE OPEN TO INTERPRETATION!

Alex (Sat. 1x canoe assist), Alison (Sat. 3x STD), Annette (Sun. 1x STD), Christiane (Sat & Sun. 6 x STD), Dave S (Fri & Sat. 2x STD), David G (Fri, Sat & Sun. 4 x STD), Diana (Sat. 1x STD), Digger (Fri, Sa & Su. 12x STD), Graham (Sat. 1x STD), Harry (Sat. 1x canoe assist STD), Heidi (Sat. 1x canoe assist), Helen (Sun. 2x STD + canoe assists), Johnny (Sat. 1x STD), Joscelyn (Sat. 1x STD), JT (Sat & Sun. 5x STD), Julia (Sun. 3x STD), Lew (Sat. 1x STD), Mark (Sun. 2x STD + canoe assists), Neil W (Sat. 1x STD), Pamela (Sat. 1x STD), Rob (Sat. 1x STD), Rog (Sat. 1x STD), Ron (Sat. 1x STD), Russel (Sun. 3x STD), Sandra (Sat. 1x STD), Syann (Sat. 1x STD), Zoe (Fri. 1x STD)

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STD06 "AWARDS"

BEST PULLERS OF INFLATABLE ANIMALS (not forgetting spiderman)

• Ron, Syann and Christiane

MOST IMPROVED SWIMMER AWARD

• JT

Last year he failed to Swim the Door (admittedly the sea was rough on the first weekend), but this year he achieved 5 swims.

MOST IMPROVED SWIMMER ONE DAY AND LEAST IMPROVED THE NEXT DAY AWARD

• Zoe

BEST CANOE USE AS SUPPORT CRAFT

• Mark and Helen

BEST SUPPLIER OF MARROW WHISKY

• Julia and Russells next door neighbour

BEST USE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT TO GET TO STD

• David Gallico

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DIARY OF A "SWIM THE DOOR 06" ADDICT

(aged between 41 years 2 days)

FRIDAY 9TH JUNE

• ATTENDEES: Digger, Dave S, Dave G and Zoe

• SWIMMERS: Digger, Dave S, Dave G and Zoe

SATURDAY 10TH JUNE

• ATTENDEES: Digger, Christiane, Diana, Andrew, Harry, Jono, Diane, Alex, Heidi, Zoe, Maya, Tarun, Sandra, Graham, Emily, Dave S, Helen, Mark P, Ron, Syann, Ella, Rog, Johnny C, David G, Rosemary W, Neil W, Joscelyn W, Alison L, Pamela L, Lew L, Rob.

• SWIMMERS: Digger, Christiane, Diana, Harry (canoe assist), Alex (canoe assist), Heidi (canoe assist) Sandra, Graham, Dave S, Helen, Mark P, Ron, Syann, Rog, Johnny C, David G, Rosemary W, Neil W, Joscelyn W, Alison L, Pamela L, Lew L, Rob.

SUNDAY 11TH JUNE

• ATTENDEES: Digger, Christiane, Jono, Diane, Alex, Heidi, Sandra, Graham, Emily, Helen, Mark P, David G, Nan, Dave, Rog, Annette, Julia, Russell, Chloe.

• SWIMMERS Digger, Christiane, Alex (canoe assist), Heidi (canoe assist), Sandra, Graham, Emily, Helen, Mark P, David G, Rog, Annette, Julia, Russell.

SATURDAY 4TH JUNE (THE STORMY ONE)

• ATTENDEES: Digger, Julia, Russell, Lorraine, JT, Rolfe, Di, Andrew, Harry, Richard, Isla, Ross, Mum Luke, Brian, Mike T, Ciorstaidh T and GUEST STARRING "Dan & Mrs Earthquake".

• SWIMMERS: Digger, Russell, Richard and "Dan Earthquake". Rolfes swim was aborted for Health and Safety reasons.

SUNDAY 5TH JUNE (THE LESS STORMY ONE)

• ATTENDEES: Digger, Rolfe, JT, Jo, Dan, Toby, Brian and Dan & Mrs Earthquake. I haven't included the AA Rescue Man who attended Jo's car because he claimed to have forgotten his trunks!

• SWIMMERS: Digger, "Dan Earthquake" and Rolfe. JT swim aborted due to the "cold and rain".

MONDAY 6TH JUNE (THE CALMER ONE)

• ATTENDEES: Digger, Jo, Dan and Toby.

• SWIMMERS: Digger, Jo and Dan (aged 15).

TUESDAY 7TH JUNE (THE BIRTHDAY ONE)

• ATTENDEES: Digger, Julia, Russell, Lorraine, Sandra A, Graham A and Emily A.

• SWIMMERS: Digger, Julia, Russell, Lorraine, Sandra A, Graham A and a bottle of champagne.

WEDNESDAY 8TH JUNE (THE DELICATE ONE)

• ATTENDEES: Digger, Sandra A, Graham A, Emily A, Neil, Sandra and Chris.

• SWIMMERS: (a very delicate) Digger and Sandra B.

THURSDAY 9TH JUNE (ANOTHER CALM ONE)

• ATTENDEES: Digger, Sandra A, Graham A, Emily A, Neil, Dave, Chris and Christiane.

• SWIMMERS: Digger, Sandra A, Graham A, Neil, Chris, Christiane and a small plastic dinosaur known as Dino.

FRIDAY 10TH JUNE (YET ANOTHER CALM ONE)

• ATTENDEES: Digger, Dave, Kev, Zoe, Maya, Taran, Sarah S, Greg S, Emily S, Megan S, Kieran S, Jen, Hanna and Jes.

• SWIMMERS: Digger, Dave, Kev, Zoe, Lizzy, Sarah S, Greg S, Emily S (aged 13), Megan S (who at age 12 becomes the youngest person ever to STD05), Jen, Hanna and Jes.

SATURDAY 11TH JUNE ("THE BIG ONE")

• ATTENDEES: Digger, Julia, Russell, Mike T, Ciorstaidh T, Neil, Chris, Sandra B, Christiane, Zoe, Roger, Maya, Tarun, Lizzy, Dave S, Wendy, Helen, Mark P, Ron, Syann, Rog, Johnny C, Pete, Dawn, Elizabeth, Michael, Carol, Graham, David G, Rosemary W, Bethany W, Joscelyn W, Matt S, Sian, Nathan, Cath, Catherine, Alison, Pamela

• SWIMMERS: Digger, Mike T, Neil, Chris, Sandra B, Christiane, Zoe, Roger, Lizzy, Dave S, Helen, Mark P, Ron, Rog, Johnny C, Pete, Graham, David G, Rosemary W, Bethany W, Joscelin W (who aged 13 becomes the youngest person ever to STD05 without a lifejacket), Matt S, Catherine, Alison and Pamela. Unfortunately Carol did not make it through The Door on this occasion, but she did lead the pack of inflatable animals for a while (probably in an attempt to get warm!).

SUNDAY 12TH JUNE (THE ONE FOR PEOPLE WHO DIDN'T WANT TO LEAVE)

• ATTENDEES: Digger, Christiane, Dave S, Wendy, Ron, Rog, Johnny C,

• SWIMMERS: Digger, Christiane, Dave S, Rog and Johnny C. Unfortunately although Wendy did get in the water she was 100m short of The Door.

Every effort has been made in the preparation of this document to provide as accurate information as possible. All statements and opinions are offered in good faith. The author cannot accept any responsibility for errors resulting from data supplied by a third party or the influence of alcohol or even the onset of old age. Therefore the author will not be liable for any loss of life or injury (however hideous) arising from decisions or actions made upon the basis of this document.

NOTE: Seriously now, like all open water swimming and life in general, there are dangers involved in this activity. If you are not an experenced and confident swimmer use to sea water conditions in Britain you would be stupid to try to STD.