PEEL’S New Year’s Day Dip marks its 30th anniversary on January 1.
The annual wade from the shore into the chilly seas has become a tradition.
Shortly before midday on January 1 the town’s beach is packed with dippers shivering in their swim wear or fancy dress costume, watched by a crowd of well wishers, there to wish one another a Happy New Year, and to take in the spectacle.
Then, at midday, the dippers rush down the beach and into the sea – with some seeming to enjoy the agony of the refreshing plunge more than others.
Hundreds take part – the record was at the turn of the century, 2000, when 317 dippers took the plunge.
Each year the dip raises money for charities – the total currently stands at £145,289.77 – and to mark the 30th anniversary in 2013, instead of having three charities benefit, there will be four.
They are the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Peel Lifeboat, Manx Blind Welfare and the Dreamcatcher Appeal. The Steam Packet has donated a voucher for a car and two passengers to be won by the person who raises the most money in sponsorship.
But how did the Peel dip start?
In 1983, Peel’s Christine Eames says she was with her then husband David at the Creek Inn, Peel, on New Year’s Eve with friends and when midnight struck, and having wished all a Happy New Year, David expressed his desire to go for a swim.
But it was decided, sensibly, to wait until midday on New Year’s Day, when both David and Chris Hall went in at Peel. Chris then went in with two others. The following New Year’s Day – in 1984 – eight took part in the dip.
‘The first year there were four people went in and it raised £50 and it’s just grown and grown and grown,’ said Christine.
She hadn’t realised then that the dip would prove to be so popular.
Christine, who has once been in up to her knees, watches the dip.
‘I enjoy seeing everyone there just enjoying themselves. In Millennium year there were people from Australia, America and New Zealand.’
The dip is sponsored by Green’s Jewellery and Gift Shop in Michael Street, Peel, from where people can get a sponsorship form to take part in the event, phone 843974. Everyone that signs up to take part will get a medal.
Green’s Jacqui Green and Helen Brown will be taking part in the 2013 dip.
Helen said: ‘It’s just a really good community event. It helps to raise money for some good charities.’
On the day, dippers go to the Peel Sailing and Cruising Club on the promenade where they sign in, and the dip is preceded by the judging of the fancy dress competition at 11.30am.
• Share your thoughts and memories of the dip
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