The annual Joe Town Memorial Swim in the River Wharfe at Wharfemeadows Park proved a popular event once again. It’s held in memory of local swimming and lifesaving teacher Joe Town, who died in 2011. Among the swimmers was Carole Deighton, 80, who was taking part for the 23rd consecutive year.
And historian and author Mark Hunnebell opened up his home, White Wells Spa Cottage on Ilkley Moor, for visitors to take a dip in its historic plunge pool, which supposedly has medicinal properties. The pool is all that remains of what was an open-air spa baths complex built behind the cottage in the 1700s.
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Hardy swimmers brave high water levels, a strong current and a water temperature of 6 degrees by taking part in the annual New Years Day Joe Town - Lilian Rickett Memorial Swim in the River Wharfe at Otley. Picture Tony Johnson Photo: Tony Johnson
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Jane Harris braves the cold water in the plunge pool at White Wells on Ilkley Moor Photo: Tony Johnson
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Hardy swimmers brave high water levels, a strong current and a water temperature of 6 degrees by taking part in the annual New Years Day Joe Town - Lilian Rickett Memorial Swim in the River Wharfe at Otley. Picture Tony Johnson Photo: Tony Johnson
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Jane Harris, Charlie Gill and Helen Khan brave the cold water in the plunge pool at White Wells on Ilkley Moor Photo: Tony Johnson
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Crowds of people watch the hardy swimmers brave high water levels, a strong current and a water temperature of 6 degrees by taking part in the annual New Years Day Joe Town - Lilian Rickett Memorial Swim in the River Wharfe at Otley. Picture Tony Johnson Photo: Tony Johnson
6. 1 January 2023..... Ben Stewart braves the cold water in the plunge pool at White Wells on Ilkley Moor for the traditional New Years Day dip at the attraction in the spa town. Picture Tony Johnson
Ben Stewart braves the cold water in the plunge pool at White Wells on Ilkley Moor Photo: Tony Johnson