Barnard Castle charity The Clique to stage third Boxing Day dip – and volunteers are invited to take the plunge

CHARITY fundraisers are preparing to make a splash on Boxing Day – and are hoping other hardy souls will join them for a dip in the Tees. 

This year will be the third time members of Barnard Castle charity The Clique will dive in as the event continues to grow in popularity.

Last year, 17 fundraisers donned fancy dress to take the plunge – watched by dozens more supporters on the bank.

This year’s dip will take place at 11am, with everyone meeting up at the old bandstand, near the Silver Bridge.

Geoff Thwaites, a member of The Clique, said he hoped the dip would be well supported again.

“We would like as many people as possible to come along and join in,” he said.

“Come along in fancy dress if you want to.”

He added: “We are hoping there will be a few more than last year. A lot of people from the rugby club and other connections in the town have said they will come along.

“Of course a lot depends on what sort of day it is and what the weather is like.”

Last year was a crisp winter's morning with clear skies and cool temperatures.

“The water was Baltic last year – I ended up with pneumonia, but that hasn’t put me off doing it again this year,” joked Mr Thwaites.

“This time, I think I'll buy a wetsuit – or go as a deep sea diver.”

And he urged those who didn’t fancy a midwinter swim to come along and enjoy the event.

“The more the merrier – we’ll have the collection buckets out.”

The Boxing Day dip is one of a series of high profile fundraising activities undertaken by The Clique, a charity that was formed in 1975 at Barnard Castle Workingmen's Club with the collection of 2p pieces after a game of dominoes.

In addition to the dip, The Clique organises a charity bed push on Meet weekend, and this year staged an It’s A Knock-Out afternoon on the Demesnes. Last Sunday, members acted as marshals for Teesdale Athletics Club's Reindeer Chase runs around the grounds of The Bowes Museum and Barnard Castle School.

In the four decades since the group was formed, more than £100,000 has been raised and distributed to good causes around the town. Most recently, The Clique’s annual presentation night was held at the Black Horse, in Newgate, when about £8,000 was presented to a dozen groups.

Anyone who would like more information about the Boxing Day dip can contact Mr Thwaites on 07886 897652.