Signing the wall at the White Horse Pub Dover

In 2001, my younger brother Peter and myself swam a double relay with Team Extreme. After this swim, we decided to come back in 2002 for Peter’s solo attempt. In return, he would help me with my solo attempt in 2003.

In 2002, we stayed at Hubert House next door to the recently renovated White Horse Pub. The White Horse pub was built in 1365, making it the third eldest pub in England. We spent many hours there in training for our swims.

Peter Harrison was the publican and after many pints consumed there with Peter and other swimmers, including Rick Oerman [husband of Voni, first Colorado solo swimmer).

Peter Harrison said it would be a great honour if Peter could sign the wall of his newly renovated Pub opposite the side door after his attempt.

Peter kept his promise on the proviso that I do it the following year, which I did, and I signed the wall under Peter’s name in 2003. We were the first Aussie brothers to do this.

I will post photos later with the first signing. We can't believe how many people have since signed the wall and we are proud to have started this tradition.

I have to mention the other three swimmers who signed the wall after Peter. Anne Cleveland, Jim Balyes and Voni Oerman. The pub is running out of space on the wall but one that makes me laugh is the guy that did the crossing in 90 mins by way of the ferry.

I hope to be back in August this year with John Jameson who I am training with the help of other Black Ice members. It would be a great thrill to see him add his name to the wall.

Albert (alby) Bardoel