Jenny James starting the race, Billy Butlin bending forward on the Jetty.

Jenny James & Billy Butlin bending forward on the Jetty.

Butlin’s International Channel Swim, 1954 Race Start. Swimmer Jenny James of Great Britain waving in the rowing boat, Sir Billy Butlin leaning forward on the landing platform.

Sam Rockett swam in the 1950 Daily Mail race and was the fourth man  to finish. He was Supervisor for the 1951 Daily Mail Race, an International race held in the “Festival of Britain year” and was also supervisor for the Billy Butlin races from 1953 to 1959, and the Sir Billy Butlin long distance walk from John O Groats to Lands End.

He played County Water Polo for a number of Counties. He was author of the book “its Cold in the Channel”

Sir Billy Butlin, sponsor of Channel Swimming races from 1953 to 1959. After 1959, because of antagonistic feelings and a new interest caused by long distance walker Dr. Barbara Moore, one of whose achievements was walking from John O’Groats to Lands End, Billy Butlin saw an opportunity for publicity and organised a long distance walk instead. It is alleged around twelve hundred entered, the race started early in the year and authorities in Scotland were not happy with the lack of provision for the event.

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

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