Sir,
To quote your headline of last week's Observer, Saundersfoot's 'New Year Swim just gets bigger and better'. It does not happen by accident and is the result of hard work throughout the year by a few people. They know who they are and their contribution is appreciated by the village.
I also need to thank a host of other people. The beach cleaners, who ensured that the beach was in pristine condition. The stewards, under the direction of Jon Williams, who choreographed the entire event. Thanks to the safety officer, Richie Preece, and fancy dress judge, Steve Swales. The bucket collectors, who helped amass a record total. I thank the chairman of Saundersfoot Community Council, Mr. Steve John, and his fellow councillors for their invaluable support, together with the efficient way in which they, along with Mr. and Mrs. Peter Williams, distributed the medals.
Such a splendid event would not be possible without the financial support given by so many sponsors. Thank you. The emergency services were there in force and I thank the police, fire brigade, HM Coastguard, the crew of the lifeboat, Haydn Miller, Tenby Surf and Rescue, Pembroke Paddlers, Lifeguards, St. John and the paramedics.
Without the unique support of Evans' Newsagents in relation to sponsor forms, swim shirts and sponsor money, we could not function. Thank you ladies. We are also indebted to the Harbour Commissioners, Phil Odley, chairman of the Chamber of Tourism, along with numerous local businesses.
The swim is recorded for posterity by Jo Randles, of Mira Emotion Pictures. We thank Jo for ensuring that the spectacle is seen by television viewers and on You Tube. Our swim photographer has attended every single Saundersfoot Swim. He goes to extraordinary lengths to capture the event. I last saw Gareth, almost waist deep, snapping swim regulars, John Joseph and Chris Williams. Thank you Gareth.
The proceedings immediately prior to the start of the swim could not have gone better. Kevin Lloyd gave a masterly display on the microphone. Sharon Lloyd was fantastic and ensured a great rendition of the swim anthem, 'Rockin' all over the world', as well as creating a new world record for the number of 'Gangnam-style' dancers.
International rugby referee, Nigel Owens, proved himself a model professional and a credit to the WRU by the way he entertained the vast crowds both before the swim and later in various venues. He has a fantastic voice and his renditions of many Welsh songs, including Calon Lan and Myfanwy, together with favourites from Max Boyce, were greatly appreciated. Nigel's whistle was the signal for Westcoast to set off their fireworks. They have supported us for many years and the fireworks are an integral part of the event. We thank them for ensuring that everyone knows that the swim has started.
Finally, a sincere thank you to the Tenby Observer, for your unprecedented coverage, for many weeks, of the Saundersfoot NYDS.
We are already in the process of planning next year's special swim. It will celebrate Charlie Shivers's 30th birthday. Everyone is invited to join us on Saundersfoot beach on January 1, 2014, to celebrate his birthday in style.
Martyn Williams,
Saundersfoot New Year's Day Swim chairman