Got your fancy dress sorted for Saundersfoot NYDS?

Bodysocks is giving a 20% Discount on all outfits for the swim & then donating 10% of sales to the fundraising. Just use the code “NYD20” to get your discount while supporting this local firm 👍 www.bodysocks.co.uk

Welsh Cricket superstar simon jones to start nyds 2018

Former england, glamorgan, worcestershire and hampshire cricketer simon jones will be starting the 2018 nyds.

He has recorded this message for all the brave swimmers

BRITISH LIONS SHOW SUPPORT FOR NYDS 2018

As well as Maro Itoje, three other British & Irish Lions were on hand this week to show their support for the Saundersfoot New Year’s Day Swim. Liam Williams, Jamie George and Owen Farrell were happy to don the infamous NYDS shirt. Over the years there has been a whole host of celebrities and sporting stars who have worn the shirt.

Mexican Wave forecast to surge into village for Saundersfoot NYDS

The Wet Office have issued a *RED WARNING*: a Red Sombrero Warning. On January 1st, spectators at Saundersfoot’s New Year’s Day Swim have been warned to be prepared for the onslaught of a Mexican Wave that is predicted to surge through the High Street at 12.00pm. This fundraising phenomenon, dubbed ‘The Tash Mob’ (aka Narberth Otters U13s kindly sponsored by the Andrew Price Group), could well sweep up those in its path. You have been warned!

Pictured: Members of Narberth Otters U13s along with NYDS mascot, Charlie Shivers, reveal their Tash Mob Tees, kindly sponsored by the Andrew Price Group. Manager of Andrew Price, Narberth; Rhys John, handed over the sponsored tees on behalf of the Andrew Price Group

NYDS 2018 WELCOMES NEW SPONSOR

Charlie Shivers was again on duty this week welcoming the latest sponsor for the Saundersfoot New Year’s Day Swim. Neil Duffy, owner of Pembrokeshire MOT & Tyres is seen with Charlie with the 2018 cycle shirt.

Neil said, “It’s great to be involved with such a fantastic community event and I look forward to seeing the shirt out on the cycle routes of Pembrokeshire”.

NYDS PARK & RIDE WITH TAF VALLEY COACHES

With only a few days left until the big day, organisers of the Saundersfoot New Year’s Day Swim have teamed up with one of their sponsors to try and ease some of the congestion in the village on the day. Taf Valley Coaches are supplying a free shuttle bus which will travel between Kilgetty Tourist Information Centre and Saundersfoot village.

The bus will start its service from Kilgetty at 10.30am and the last pick-up from Saundersfoot, returning to Kilgetty, will be at 2.30pm. The drop off and collection point in the village will be the junction of Stammers Road and the bottom of St. Brides Hill. It is anticipated that the round-trip will be between 20-30 minutes.

Organisers are requesting that if you are travelling to the village by car on New Year’s Day please also consider car sharing and if you have friends or family in the village request the use of their driveway where possible – after all, it is the season of goodwill!

WHO SWIMS, YOU DECIDE - DAI GINGE STILL LEADS THE WAY

With only days to go until the Saundersfoot New Year’s Day Swim 2018, Dai ‘Ginge’ Lewis still leads the way in the NYDS Swimometer and heads the public vote with 54%, closely followed by Dai Kirkpatrick 31% and Big Wally on 15%. However, with a couple of days to go there is plenty of time for it all to change.

The three unlikely heroes have stepped forward to get into the spirit. They have two things in common - they have NEVER done a New Year’s Day Swim and they DO NOT want to do a New Year’s Day Swim!

However, that will change for one of them on January 1st. For the benefit of charity they have put themselves up for a public vote. All votes can now be cast at the Royal Oak, Saundersfoot. Each vote will cost £1 and all the money will go to Macmillan Cancer Support and Tinkers Hill Bird Sanctuary. The vote will close at 6pm on New Year’s Eve. Whoever has most votes will make their swim debut the following morning.

CHARLIE IN FOR A SURPRISE ON NEW YEAR’S DAY

The New Year's Day will be extra special this year for a pair of brothers who will be re-united after 30 years. Saundersfoot's very own Charlier Shivers is all set to welcome back to the village his long-lost brother Dai, also known around the world to millions as Dai 'The Shape' Shivers because of his outrageous and energetic dance routines. The pair haven't seen each other or spoken at all since 1987 and the circumstances of their falling out has been a bit of a mystery up until now because Charlie, as we all know, is a man of few words. However, in a recent telephone interview, Dai revealed that he has been longing to return to his home village to make up with Charlie for many years. Dai revealed "looking back, our falling out was silly really. It was New Year's Eve 1987 and the day after I was going to be leaving for my new life as a cruise ship entertainer. We celebrated by having a wimpy for lunch, dining at Jonesy's, then a few beers in the Gas Bar before going on to the Golden Nugget so that I could practice my moves. The plan was for us both to do the swim the following day, but I had too much to drink and slept through my alarm. Charlie was devastated that I had missed the swim, we argued and that was the last time I saw Charlie or Saundersfoot'. Since then Dai has travelled the world on luxury cruise ships and has become famous for entertaining crowds with his dancing. At the peak of his powers he even danced in Vegas warming up the audience for Michael Jackson! However, his heart has always belonged to Saundersfoot and he has always had Charlie in his thoughts, especially on New Year's Day. Dai told us "a lot of water has washed up on the beach since 1987, and after all these years it will be a thrill to see my brother again and also to see how the village and the swim has changed in that time. Who know's I might even be tempted to throw a few of my famous Shivers Shapes".

You can see Dai and Charlie's being reunited on the beach approximately 20 minutes before the 34th New Year's Day Swim gets underway at 12:30, its sure to be an emotional moment not to be missed.

Picture: Dai ‘The Shape’ Shivers pictured on his recent tour in Las Vegas

NEW SPONSOR FOR NYDS 2018

With just over a week to go until the 34th Saundersfoot New Year’s Day Swim organisers are delighted to welcome their latest sponsor, Broughton Leisure Ltd. Martyn Williams, Chairman of NYDS said, “We are extremely grateful to Broughton Leisure Ltd for their generous sponsorship of NYDS 2018. This financial support from Broughton as well as the financial support from our other sponsors ensures that all our costs are met and that every penny raised by the swimmers goes to their respective charitable and worthwhile causes”.

Danny Henson, owner of Broughton Leisure Ltd, “We are delighted to be involved in such a fantastic community event and we wish the organisers and swimmers all the very best on New Year’s Day”.

YSGOL GREENHILL STUDENTS SET FOR NYDS 2018

Charlie Shivers met with students from Ysgol Greenhill School this week. The students will be entering the chilly waters on New Year’s Day in order to raise money for their rugby tour to Canada.

NYDS T-SHIRTS TO BENEFIT WORTHWHILE CAUSES

Charlie Shivers was on duty again this week, this time meeting representatives from the Wiseman’s Bridge Rowing Club and the Periwinkle Tearoom & Pottery. On behalf of Saundersfoot New Year’s Day Swim and Tees R Us, Charlie donated 125 T-shirts between the groups which will be sold off and all proceeds from sales supporting their chosen charities.

Wiseman’s Rowing Club will donate the money generated from the sales to Tenby & Saundersfoot First Responders. Periwinkle Tearoom & Pottery will be donating to Cerebral Palsy. Each t-shirt will carry the logo of Saundersfoot NYDS and Tees R Us.

Martyn Williams, Chairman of the NYDS, said, ‘We are delighted to be making this donation with Tees R Us. Hopefully the money raised will help support the excellent work carried out by the respective causes”.

Picture Charlie Shivers with Judy Lightwood (Wiseman’s Bridge Rowing Club) and Kim Thompson and her daughter Holly (Periwnkle Tearoom & Pottery).

NYDS GOES ON THE ROAD WITH SYTNER

For the second year running Saundersfoot New Year’s Day Swim has teamed up with Sytner, Haverfordwest for the loan of a brand new BMW Mini over the festive period. The vehicle will carry the branding of both NYDS and Sytner. Martyn Williams, Chairman of the swim said, “We are delighted with our relationship with Sytner and are grateful for their continued support. I’m sure Charlie Shivers will be delighted to drive around in the Mini over Christmas and New Year!”. In addition to the Mini, Sytner have also sponsored the NYDS 2018 rugby jersey.

Picture 1: Chris Allen (Senior Sales Executive, Sytner) presenting Charlie Shivers a sponsorship cheque for NYDS 2018.

Picture 2: Charlie Shivers with Chris Allen, Lewis Hughes and Tara Bowen (Sales Executives, Sytner).

CELEBRITY TOUCH FOR NYDS SHIRT

With only a couple of weeks to go until the Saundersfoot New Year’s Day Swim Rob Brydon was the latest to give the NYDS 2018 the celebrity treatment. The shirts are on sale at Elements, The Strand, Saundersfoot.

2018 Swim Sponsors: Powells Cottage Holidays, Harbour Wealth, Scaffold 2000, Sunnyvale Holiday Park, Broughton Leisure Ltd, Tees R Us, Tojaz of Saundersfoot, Princes Gate Spring Water, Elston Construction, Folly Farm, Taf Valley Coaches, Sue’s Pantry, Saundersfoot Pleasure Boats, 1 Formula Fitness, Tenby Glass, Synter BMW, Lewis, Lewis & Co Ltd, Mike Wealleans PVCu Specialist, Neil Finlay Cars and Pembrokeshire Tyres & MOT.

For further information about the swim, please follow Charlie Shivers on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram @CharlieShivers

NYDS PARTNERS UP WITH HARBOUR WEALTH

As the build up to the 2018 Saundersfoot New Year’s Day Swim gathers pace, Charlie Shivers was on hand to meet up Harbour Wealth Independent Financial Planners who are sponsoring NYDS 2018. As well a NYDS shirt sponsor, Harbour Wealth Independent Financial Planners are the official sponsors of the Saundersfoot New Year’s Day Swim beer mats. Martyn Williams, Chairman of the swim said, “One of the reasons why the swim has become so successful is due to the sponsorship we have from local businesses. It ensures that we have a budget to promote the swim as well as pay for the event itself. This way all the money raised by swimmers will be donated to charitable and worthy causes. We are delighted with our partnership with Harbour Wealth”. Chris Brace, Director, Harbour Wealth said, "Our business is a local Pembrokeshire based firm so we will always support local charities and charity events. We feel that it is important that local businesses give something back to their local community and the New Years Day Swim is a fine example of the community coming together to have fun and raise money for charity. We are delighted to be one of the many sponsors on the Saundersfoot New Years Day Swim shirts and also to be the main sponsor of the beer mats and on a whole to be involved and associated with such a great, well organised event". The beer mats will be distributed throughout the pubs of Saundersfoot throughout the festive period.

NEW SIGN FOR NYDS 2018

Charlie Shivers was on duty this week teaming up with the village’s Salvage Bar & Kitchen who have bolstered the NYDS promotional push with the donation of a brand new sign. Ross Barnes took over as manager of the Salvage Bar & Kitchen this summer. Ross said, ‘Since our arrival in the village, it has become very clear how important the swim is within the community. We are told that it is the busiest day of the year in the village by far! We are delighted to support such a great event and we wish wish all the participants the best of luck’.

In the new year, the Salvage Bar & Kitchen will be rebranded as the Harbwr Bar & Kitchen.

BLAST FROM THE PAST

With the Saundersfoot new Year’s Day Swim only 3 weeks away, we’ve had a look at the archives for some old photos. This one is believed to be from the mid-nineties:

(Front Row - left to right) Dave Williams, Martyn Williams, Nick Ainger.

(Standing - left to right) Alan Jones, Gethin Evans, Gordon Hughes, Ty Francis, Mick Hamilton, Rob Appleyard (Wales & Swansea RFC)

NYDS SHIRT GETS CELEBRITY TREATMENT

Only a week or so since the release of the Saundersfoot NYDS 2018 shirt sales have been going extremely well. It even had the seal of approval this week from two well known Welsh faces, George North and Gethin Jones. The shirt is on sale at Elements, The Strand, Saundersfoot.

NYDS ON THE BUSES FOR 2018 SWIM

This week, organisers of the Saundersfoot New Year's Day Swim unveiled their latest advertising campaign, which will take them on the roads all around Pembrokeshire and further afield. They have teamed up with Taf Valley Coaches of Whitland to produce an advert which will hopefully encourage swimmers into the water on New Year's Day. In total, four Taf Valley buses will display the NYDS branding. Martyn Williams, Chairman of the swim said, "We are delighted to team up with Taf Valley Coaches. Anytime you go out you usually see one of their buses travelling around the area. This is proven way of advertising the swim ensuring it reaches all parts of Pembrokeshire".

Gareth Hurlow of Taf Valley Coaches said, “ We are pleased to be in partnership with he Saundersfoot New Year’s Day swim. As a local family owned company, we were only too pleased to be able to support this wonderful community event, which benefits so many local charities. We would also like to take this opportunity to wish all the organisers and competitors a very successful swim”.

Pictured: Heather Edwards (Company Director), Charlie Shivers and Gareth Hurlow (Supervisor)

INTRODUCING THE ROYAL OAK 3

As preparations continue to build for NYDS 2018, three unlikely heroes have stepped forward to get into the spirit. They have two things in common - 1. They have NEVER done a New Year’s Day Swim!!!! 2. They DO NOT want to do the NYDS.

However, that will change for one of them. For the benefit of charity they have put themselves up for a public vote!!! From this weekend votes can be cast at the Royal Oak, Saundersfoot. Each vote will cost £1 and all the money will go to a chosen charity. Whoever has the most votes will go in. The vote will close at 5pm on New Year’s Eve.

Before their identities are unveiled - any ideas who the Royal Oak 3 are????

Charlie Shivers, together with Saundersfoot New Year’s Day Swim Chairman, Martyn Williams, are seen presenting a 2017 Swim shirt, signed by Boris Johnson MP, to Ken Brombley from the charity HOPE. Ken was delighted to receive the signed shirt and hoped that it would raise a lot of money at their annual auction held at the Stradey Park Hotel, Llanelli.

SAUNDERSFOOT LAUNCH FOR  NYDS 2018 SHIRT

The launch of the 2018 Saundersfoot New Year's Day Swim took place at the St. Brides Spa Hotel this week. During the event, the 2018 shirt was also unveiled and Charlie Shivers was there to welcome this year’s sponsors. The 2018 swim will be the village’s 34th and over recent years the swim has gone from strength to strength raising thousands and thousands of pounds for charitable and worthy causes. Last year attracted over 1800 swimmers generating over £43,000. Martyn Williams, Chairman of Saundersfoot Festivities said, ‘The swim is an important date in the calendar for the village. The NYDS shirt has become an integral part of promoting the swim. I am delighted with this year’s sponsorship. The financial support is vital for the future of the swim. It will also ensure that every penny raised by the swimmers will be allocated to their nominated charities. The generosity which the businesses have shown towards the sponsorship of the swim has been very much appreciated’.
Saundersfoot Festivities would like to thank St. Brides Hotel & Spa once again for their generous hospitality, as well as Gareth Davies Photography. The 2018 swim shirt is now on sale at Elements of Pembrokeshire, The Strand, Saundersfoot. All profits from the shirt will be donated to charity.

SAUNDERSFOOT FOOTBALL PITCH RECEIVES SUPPORT FROM THE TENFOOT AND NYDS SWIMS

Following the damage caused to the Saundersfoot football pitch last Saturday, Saundersfoot Football Club have appealed for financial support to get repairs completed as soon as possible. Following the plea, the New Year’s Day Swim committee and the organisers of the TENFOOT swim have reacted quickly, donating £200 towards the cause. They hope that other organisations and businesses will also dig deep to help restore the pitch to its former glory. Chris Williams (NYDS & TENFOOT) said, “Both the TENFOOT and New Year’s Day Swim are team efforts with all members across the community pulling together to make both events a success. Saundersfoot AFC in particular are great supporters of village events and we feel it totally fitting that we now support them. I have no doubt that the community of Saundersfoot will come together again and ensure that Saundersfoot AFC are back playing in the village as soon as possible ”. Details for the fundraising efforts can be found on Twitter @SfootAFC. Pictured: Left to Right: Chris Williams (TENFOOT Swim), Sam Coleman (Saundersfoot AFC) and Charlie Shivers (NYDS)

Charlie Shivers, the Saundersfoot New Years Day Swim mascot is pictured presenting a cheque to Sandra Dade of the Paul Sartori Foundation.

Charlie presents cheque to Tenby AFC U15's

Team Manager and coach of Tenby AFC U15’s, Gareth Noot, receives a cheque from Charlie Shivers for sponsorship raised in the 2017 Saundersfoot New Year’s Day Swim. Also in the picture is Dylan Noot who received a certificate for raising over £100 as well as a Blue Tit Award for Group entry.

Latest celebrity to wear the 2017 Swim shirt is former Austrian ski racer, Michael Walchhofer. Michael won three World Cup season title crystal globes, an Olympic silver medal and a gold, two silvers and a bronze in the World Championships. He achieved 19 race victories and 49 podiums

Can you guess the latest celebrity to wear the nyds shirt

Local mp simon hart showing his support by wearing the nyds shirt