Published: 1 December, 2011
by STEVE BARNETT

• A TEAM of 25 women from South London Swimming Club braved the winter chill on Saturday when they invaded the Highgate Men’s pond.

Highgate Lifeboys’ member Al Alvares, who was present when they streamed into the changing area, said: “It must be my lucky day.”

The swimmers were taking part in their annual, cross-London “pool crawl”.

They had their first swim at 7.30am at Tooting Bec Lido, where the club is based, before progressing to central London for a plunge into Hyde Park’s Serpentinek.

Before reaching the Highgate Men’s pond, they had a dip in Parliament Hill Lido, where swimmers laid on a traditional welcome with chocolate brownies and hot toddies.