MERCEDES GLEITZE
Heacham's Wash Swim Celebration
75TH ANNIVERSARY WEEKEND 19TH/20TH JUNE 2004

This photo was
 
 taken just minutes
 
 after the unveiling
 
 of the plaque.
From left to right back row
Doloranda Pember
(Mercedes daughter)
Mary Pishorn
Charles Chase
(witness to 1929 swim)
Borough Mayor
Fergus Carey
(Mercedes son)
Virginia Atchison
(Mercedes Granddaughter)
Front Row
Great grandchildren

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The Gleitze Family

The Re-enactment
of the end of the
epic swim

The colourful Veteran Cyclists

Last weekend we had glorious sunshine and temperatures in the 80's. So was it going to last another week?   On the Tuesday prior to the Anniversary weekend we looked at the five day weather forecast and had our worst fears confirmed....' rain and cold with temperatures in the low 60's'.
So when we woke up on the Saturday morning we were surprised to see bright sunshine and blue skies. As the morning progressed the sun still was shining, but as 1pm got closer and  the celebrations were ready to begin, the wind got up, the sun went in and the heavens opened. This put a damper on the Fancy Beach Hut judging at 1pm. It then put paid to the veteran cyclist promenade ride and of course the start of the sand castle competition.
Happily  just after 2.30pm the rain stopped and the sun tried to shine and this gave the cyclists the chance to ride from the beach to the village and back. The variety of cycles taking part and the appropriate attire of the participants made this an outstanding feature of the weekend. On returning they made their promenade ride and just got this completed when in went the sun and back came the rain. This was unfortunately the pattern for the rest of the day. At least it managed to stay dry albeit a touch chilly for the 10pm firework display. 
On Sunday morning the weather had not altered at all, with showers on and off all morning and the odd glimpse of sun.  But unlike Saturday as we approached the 1pm ceremonial plaque unveiling by the Borough Mayor and members of the Gleitze family, the sun came out and stayed with us throughout the afternoon. Unfortunately the wind did blow for the rest of the day.  However the unveiling was a great success and there was a good turnout.  There were many photos taken of the Gleitze family on the promenade, and this was followed by the veteran cycle ride along the prom.
Finally at 6pm the arrival of Mercedes Gleitze at Heacham, after an epic 13 hours swim, was recreated, thus ending a weekend with a difference.


Some of the Fancy Beach Huts

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