Really enjoyed this episode. For really obvious reasons, being a fellow open water swimming coach. Had the pleasure of meeting Gilly when she was visiting Brighton. Had no idea she was a Smiths Fan - that would have been the icing on the cake! Went to see a Smiths tribute band in Worthing at the weekend - random. The episode got me thinking about unintentional swimming - I didn’t have a clue about the well-being benefits when I started swimming year round - it just happened by accident because I was having fun. It’s like a completely different pastime/ activity now …..for better and for worse.
Your discussion prompted me to think hard about why I wasn't at the anti-sewage demonstrations. Partly it was the practical aspect, I live about as far away from the sea as it is possible to be in the UK, so it would have been a big trek for me to join. But also I've realised that I just don't have any faith in demonstrations like this changing anything anymore. Things I have demonstrated against include: tuition fees, the Iraq war and leaving the EU. No matter how large the demonstration I think they're all too easy for those in power to ignore.
I do still think there are other things we can do to try to effect change in the world. But they need to more directly inconvenience (even if just in a small way like an MP having to reply to a letter) those with power.
What a demonstration can do is make you feel less alone in caring about the issue. Maybe that's why the others at your paddle out were so pleased by the numbers.
I did, and a lot of it resonated with me. I think he put things more succinctly than I have when he said "Protest is supposed to be disruptive and annoying". I don't think the kind of demonstration that just involves people showing up in a particular place, standing around for a bit, and then going home, achieves anything beyond making the people involved feel a bit better about themselves.
Loved this conversation. Gilly has really fired my swimming inspiration. No Cornish north shore trip for us this year but the lochs are all warmed up so they'll be where we're at.
I was moved by the way she lightly touches on her life changing injury and profound personal loss without really mentioning the unbelievable struggle it must be to return to anything approaching normality physically or emotionally...and she's concerned how other folk feel. I think she's incredible.
Really enjoyed this episode. For really obvious reasons, being a fellow open water swimming coach. Had the pleasure of meeting Gilly when she was visiting Brighton. Had no idea she was a Smiths Fan - that would have been the icing on the cake! Went to see a Smiths tribute band in Worthing at the weekend - random. The episode got me thinking about unintentional swimming - I didn’t have a clue about the well-being benefits when I started swimming year round - it just happened by accident because I was having fun. It’s like a completely different pastime/ activity now …..for better and for worse.
I can't believe we've still never met Kath!
Another really interesting guest, thanks Matt 👊
Loved this one, Gilly is such a wonderful person!
Your discussion prompted me to think hard about why I wasn't at the anti-sewage demonstrations. Partly it was the practical aspect, I live about as far away from the sea as it is possible to be in the UK, so it would have been a big trek for me to join. But also I've realised that I just don't have any faith in demonstrations like this changing anything anymore. Things I have demonstrated against include: tuition fees, the Iraq war and leaving the EU. No matter how large the demonstration I think they're all too easy for those in power to ignore.
I do still think there are other things we can do to try to effect change in the world. But they need to more directly inconvenience (even if just in a small way like an MP having to reply to a letter) those with power.
What a demonstration can do is make you feel less alone in caring about the issue. Maybe that's why the others at your paddle out were so pleased by the numbers.
Did you read Calum’s piece on this? What did you think?
I did, and a lot of it resonated with me. I think he put things more succinctly than I have when he said "Protest is supposed to be disruptive and annoying". I don't think the kind of demonstration that just involves people showing up in a particular place, standing around for a bit, and then going home, achieves anything beyond making the people involved feel a bit better about themselves.
My favourite person, Gilly! Love listening to you.
🙏
Loved this conversation. Gilly has really fired my swimming inspiration. No Cornish north shore trip for us this year but the lochs are all warmed up so they'll be where we're at.
Thanks Malcolm! She’s ace eh?
I was moved by the way she lightly touches on her life changing injury and profound personal loss without really mentioning the unbelievable struggle it must be to return to anything approaching normality physically or emotionally...and she's concerned how other folk feel. I think she's incredible.