The wonderful illustrations by Sue Hellard can be found in The Hungry Winter Swimmer – a mixture of recipes, poems and prose contributed and published by swimmers’ group the Kenwood Ladies’ Bathing Association.

The association’s chairwoman, 81-year-old Margaret Hepburn, who swims in the pond every morning throughout the year, told the New Journal: “We’re very keen to encourage people to join us, and we think the book will help.”
In their introduction, the book’s editors, KLBA vice chairs Mary Cane and Ann Griswold, explain the attractions of “dark, delicious December dawns”.

They write: “The beauty of the Heath and the pond in winter is breathtaking. The sense of being part of the changing seasons, so elusive to Londoners, is there for the taking. The health benefits of cold water swimming are undeniable, and the camaraderie amongst swimmers a joy.”

The book also contains tips on preparing for winter swimming, for those who are not used to the icy water.

But Mrs Hepburn, who lives in Parliament Hill, Hampstead, was reassuring. “The lifeguards at the pond are always very careful of non-regulars,” she said.
The book is the second publication by the KLBA, following the success of The Kenwood Ladies’ Bathing Pond, a history with photographs, produced a few years ago.

“People at the pond thought this book would be rather fun,” Mrs Hepburn said. “It’s been in the back of our minds for a while, but has required some really hard work over the past year.”
It has also cost the KLBA £4,000, so all proceeds will be ploughed back into the coffers of the association, which promotes the interests of swimmers at the free-entry, women-only pond.
Mrs Hepburn hopes it will swell numbers there at the annual New Year’s Day swim. “Last year, although the pond was frozen, it was a beautiful day. The mulled wine and the atmosphere were really warm and friendly,” she said.

With over 100 vegetarian recipes, plus many enticing photographs, and cartoons by swimmer Sue Hellard, she says the book will make “a wonderful Christmas present”.

n The Hungry Winter Swimmer, £7, will be available from 1pm to 4pm on Saturday November 30 at 68 Parliament Hill, NW3,where you can also meet members of the KLBA. Alternatively, you can order the book from Olga Way on 020 7485 7398, price £10 (including postage).