Castle swimmer, 89, tells islanders to take plunge
THIS year’s oldest Castle swimmer has encouraged islanders to take advantage of the sea and enjoy the health benefits of swimming with friends and family.
Mike Banfield, 89, completed the Open Castle Charity Swim
last Sunday alongside 600 participants.
As the oldest swimmer to complete the course he was awarded the Bill Green Memorial Trophy, which brought back fond memories of when he used to swim with the famous island businessman and sportsman.
Mr Banfield grew up in Guernsey and first took part in
the Castle Swim as a schoolboy in 1947.
He took part every year he could until he left Guernsey to join the Royal Air Force, but as soon as he retired as a squadron leader in 1979, he returned to swimming almost daily in local waters.
‘I plan to take part in the Castle Swim and every swim available, for as long as I can,’ he said.
‘I currently swim every day in the summer and most days in the winter.’
He has won gold medals in Guernsey Swimming Club’s Masters events and competed in competitions nationally.
Mr Banfield recalled swimming with Bill Green, the man in whose memory the trophy was donated, for many summers and called him a great friend, making the trophy more meaningful to him.
The award was presented by Maggie Talbot-Cull, Mr Green’s daughter, who Mr Banfield recalls babysitting.
He added that he has been swimming alongside his wife Evelelyne for more than 35 years, and wants to encourage other islanders to try the sport.
‘I love swimming, it’s just freedom, and on Guernsey, such a beautiful island, you can pick a coast with the best weather, out of the wind,’ he said.
‘Always give it a try, as long as you are sensible and respect the sea, it’s a wonderful and healthy sport.’
Guernsey Swimming Club fundraising co-ordinator Kevin Penney said receiving the trophy was a noteworthy achievement for Mr Banfield.
‘Everyone knows Mike’s name at the club, he does a lot of open swimming and it’s just amazing how much he loves getting involved,’ he said.
