Ned Barnie and Jenny James with Barnie's trainer, Folkestone Pool

Ned Barnie and Jenny James with Barnie’s trainer, at the Folkestone Pool 1954.

Ned had three successful channel swims; 1950 France – England 14hrs 45min. Daily Mail swim 1951 England – France 19hrs 02mins. 1951 France – England 15hrs 01mins. He also had six unsuccessful swims 1952 to 1956. Two were two-way attempts, and four were Billy Butlin races.

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, and 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.