Despite the chill in the air, the atmosphere was warm and joyful as locals and visitors gathered to enjoy sausages, home baking, refreshments, a bustling tombola and a much-anticipated raffle.
The highlight for many was the excitement of seeing St Abbs Lifeboat “sea-ing” its way around the headland, arriving in the area during a training exercise that included a man-overboard drill – all while Coldingham Brave Bayers swimmers were proudly “Braving the Bay”.
Thanks to the generosity of the community, the event raised £300 for St Abbs Lifeboat, with an additional £750 raised through tombola and merchandise sales, Angie’s Draw, refreshments, cake sales and the group’s half of the raffle proceeds – an incredible result that exceeded expectations.
Warm congratulations go to Grace Morris, winner of the raffle’s top prize, and Noeline Hughes, winner of Angie’s Draw.
Organisers were keen to acknowledge the many individuals and businesses who helped make the day such a success. Sincere thanks go to sponsors and donors including Lomo, Being Well Cold, Saltrock, Borders Competition, Foxlake, St Abbs Lifeboat, Waffle & Peg, BorderWebWorks and Morrisons, alongside the many supporters whose contributions will be recognised in full in due course.
Most importantly, heartfelt thanks were extended to the volunteers who gave their time, energy and festive spirit throughout the day. From flipping sausages to selling raffle tickets, welcoming swimmers and sharing smiles, their efforts ensured the event ran smoothly and joyfully.
Coldingham Brave Bayers is a community interest company rooted in the power of cold-water swimming, nature connection and peer support. Founded by people with lived experience of mental and physical health challenges, the group provides inclusive, welcoming opportunities for people to improve wellbeing, build confidence and feel part of a supportive community.
Through regular swims, wellbeing programmes and community events, Coldingham Brave Bayers continues to champion early intervention, connection and kindness.
And of course, a final thank you goes to everyone who came along – whether you snaffled a sausage, bought a raffle ticket, won a tombola prize or simply stopped for a chat. Your support truly means the world.
With blue skies overhead and the weather gods firmly on side, Santa’s Sausage Sizzle proved to be the best one yet.
From the bottom of their hearts, the team at Coldingham Brave Bayers say thank you for making it such a wonderful festive success.
To find out more about Coldingham Brave Bayers and their community wellbeing work, follow them on social media or look out for upcoming swims and events in the local area. www.wildandfreezing.co.uk
IG: Bravebayers
1. Contributed
Wild Swimmers obligatory group photo. ( if it is not photo'd it didn't happen) Photo: Submitted
