It’s been a funny few days full of joy, laughter and good food but also disappointment and sadness.
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The fun started on Saturday when I went out with a friend and her daughter to see Wish at the cinema. Followed by the BRJ Christmas Party at the St.Ives Golf Club.
Its obviously been a fantastic year for me in open water swimming and BRJ has been a huge part of that and I was I reminded how far I have come in the past few years. I’ve wonderful friends in the club and am proud to now coach for them.
Last year, I came away from the BRJ Christmas party annoyed and upset because I’d ended up finding myself sitting downstairs alone after the meal because the disco was upstairs and there was no lift.
Afterwards i had discussions with people from the club about where to hold our party this year. We agreed it worked well apart from the disco being upstairs and after talking to St.Ives Golf Club we were reassured that we could book the same venue for 2023 and the music/disco could be downstairs so we went for it. They would move the tables aside and create a dance floor so that everyone, including me could have some fun! When we were told the disco could be downstairs we booked for this year, after all, the food and service had been great.
I was really looking forward to the party this year, I even wore a dress and make-up, which I very rarely do. We arrived and went in, a friend bought me a drink and we went and found our seats. Not long after, one of the people that had booked the party came to talk to me and tell me that she had recieved an email the previous night informing her the disco would be upstairs, not downstairs as had been agreed. Apparently the venues solution to make it ‘inclusive’ was to turn the music up so it could be heard downstairs….My heart sunk, although I tried not to show it. I was angry, the organiser was incredibly angry and clearly felt incredibly guilty and helpless at the situation because once again, I wouldn’t be able to join in.
Nevertheless I decided that I wouldn’t let it stop me having a good evening. I was sitting with my swim buddies and a few other friends too. It was a lovely evening, the meal wasn’t spectacular but it was nice enough and I enjoyed it, as did most other people. After the raffle the disco started and people started to head upstairs. Thankfully a friend decided they were going home after the meal and they were able to give me a lift home so I didn’t have to pay for a taxi.
I was stopped by the organiser on the way out, which I was hoping to avoid. Its always difficult and feels awkward when you are faced with someone who wants nothing more to help you but you know there is nothing they can do to make it better, instead I tried to convince them I was fine and was tired so was going home – thankfully many people had, had alcohol by that point, either that or I was some how convincing.
On Sunday it was the Bluetits Christmas party, a river swim/swoosh followed by a lovely meal. Its been a while since I’ve been in the water because of an injury and the river being flooded. I got a lift there and when we arrived I feared I wouldn’t be able to get in. The other swimmers went and investigated entry and exit points and it turned out I was correct, there was no way I could get in the water, not even for a dip because there wasn’t anywhere I could get out. It was disappointing to say the least. It meant the last 2 group swims I’ve planned (that one and the previous one when in Poole) I haven’t actually been able to swim at due to accessibility, or should I say lack of accessibility.
Thankfully the swimmers weren’t in the water for too long but it did just feel like it was another thing I was left out of and couldn’t do. Basically, I was feeling incredibly sorry for myself, although I did have Colin (a doggy hot water bottle) for company.
Once everyone was changed we went in the pub for our Christmas meal and I have to say, it was amazing! There were more than 20 of us sharing 2 tables and it was great to just go somewhere different and chat with like-minded people whilst having an absolutely incredible meal. Everyone was absolutely stuffed afterwards and I got several doggy cuddles on the way out which finished the meal off perfectly for me.
It’s always frustrating when places and swims aren’t accessible but even more so when you’re there to celebrate/party!