Outdoor Swimming Society December Dip 2012

What are you doing on December 8? Fancy a swim? Outdoors? Your instinctive response to that invitation will determine whether you're likely to be among the (fool)hardy souls taking the plunge at the annual Outdoor Swimming Society December Dip. The 'No thanks' contingent might be persuaded to enjoy the proceedings from the poolside, cameras at the ready to capture the antics of the 'Hmm, sounds like a gas' brigade. Adding to the fun this year is a special Festive Fancy Dress contest, with a prize for the best-dressed dipper. And particularly masochistic souls can have a go at the new Arctic Adventurers challenge, which involves taking in two lengths of the lido instead of the standard two widths. Brave participants will be rewarded with a festive hat, mince pies and a tipple, not to mention a deep sense of personal satisfaction. Somehow it doesn't seem entirely right that swimmers, who provide all the entertainment, have to pay £15, while spectators are simply asked for donations. But that's life: not always fair, not always warm. It'll be lovely when it's over, though.