It was December 14, 1975 and four hardy swimmers braved the icy cold waters of the River Bure at Coltishall to raise money for local elderly people to enjoy a Christmas treat.

Tony Haywood, 42, his son Paul, 18, Peter Claxton, 20, and Chris Giblett, 19 — all regulars at the Kings Head pub, Coltishall — agreed to make their sponsored swim across the River Bure and back as the last fundraising event for the endeavour. 

Eastern Daily Press: A bracing dip into the River Bure near the Kings Head in Coltishall for four locals in 1975. A bracing dip into the River Bure near the Kings Head in Coltishall for four locals in 1975. (Image: Archive library)

Watched by a crowd of villagers, they stripped down to their swimming trunks on the side of the village green and plunged into the water which was a cool four degrees celsius.

Peter, Paul and Chris managed two widths but Tony doubled their efforts with two more, before they clambered ashore to enjoy a brandy and cheers from the onlookers. 

Eastern Daily Press: Onlookers wrapped up warm in their coats help the swimmers out of the River Bure at Coltishall in December 1975.Onlookers wrapped up warm in their coats help the swimmers out of the River Bure at Coltishall in December 1975. (Image: Newsquest)

Eastern Daily Press: A well-earned brandy to help warm the fundraisers after their swim across the River Bure at the Kings Head in Coltishall in 1975. A well-earned brandy to help warm the fundraisers after their swim across the River Bure at the Kings Head in Coltishall in 1975. (Image: Archive library)

The festive treat they were helping raise money towards was to be held at the Kings Head.

Landlord at the time, Mr Roy Chpaman, said: "There will be free food, free drink and free entertainment. We're expecting about 80 people." 

Do you recognise any of the swimmers or onlookers? Have you ever taken a wintry dip in the name of charity?

Let us know your memories in the comments below. 

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Eastern Daily Press: Four swimmers dive into the River Bure near the Kings Head, Coltishall in 1975 to raise money to treat local elderly people at Christmas.Four swimmers dive into the River Bure near the Kings Head, Coltishall in 1975 to raise money to treat local elderly people at Christmas. (Image: Archive library)

Eastern Daily Press: Four swimmers dive into the River Bure near the Kings Head, Coltishall in 1975 to raise money to treat local elderly people at Christmas.Four swimmers dive into the River Bure near the Kings Head, Coltishall in 1975 to raise money to treat local elderly people at Christmas. (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: A brandy to help warm up after the fundraising swim at Coltishall in December 1975.A brandy to help warm up after the fundraising swim at Coltishall in December 1975. (Image: Archive library)