Billy Butlin, The Mayor (Charles E. Neate) and swimmer Jenny James of Great Britain (Wales)

Butlin’s International Channel Swim 1954, Folkestone, Kent. The Leas Cliff Hall. Sir Billy Butlin talking to Jenny James, Great Britain. The Mayor of Folkestone (Councillor Charles E. Neate) is in the background.

Jenny James swam the Channel in the 2nd Daily Mail Race 1951 in a time of 13 hours 55 minutes, becoming the first Welsh woman to succeed – she was placed 12th, 4th woman.

She then entered the Billy Butlin 1953, 1954, 1955, and 1956 swims but did not swim for several reasons. She had one unsuccessful attempt in 1952 but was seasick after 2 hours 49 minutes.

She was the first woman to swim the Bristol Channel both ways.

From the Sam Rockett collection.  A Black and White Photograph.