’The Henleaze Lake Story’ published by Redcliffe Press was launched at the Lake on 23rd June 2007. Written by Derek and Joyce Klemperer, it is an account of Henleaze Lake and Henleaze Swimming Club from the earliest quarrying days (1800s) through to the beginning of the 21st Century. Derek and Joyce tell the story of a magical place, warts and all, and include the immediate surroundings of the Lake property where this is relevant. The book has over 100 illustrations that have been collected over many years. The price is £5 and is available at the Lake or from the authors at 25 Rockside Drive, Henleaze, Bristol BS9 4NU. For postal orders add £1.00 for postage and packing. Cheques should be made payable to ’Henleaze Swimming Club’. Visit the Henleaze Lake website

A new history of wild swimming  This new study examines the changing culture around outdoor swimming in Britain, from prohibition of bathing by the church in the fourth, to  20,000 swimmers gathering on summer mornings in Victoria Park. What ever happened to our care free spirit of bathing in nature and what impact has the outdoor swimmer had on the British psyche? Visit Hung Out To Dry to learn more about Chris Ayriss' new book and watch his short documentary.

'Wild Swim' by Kate Rew and Guardian publishers. Wild Swim by Kate Rew and Guardian publishing follows rapidly in our wet footsteps and comes from Kate Rew's Outdoor Swimming Society (OSS). This has good coverage of outdoor swimming pools and sea swims, making this a great complement to our own Wild Swimming book (dedicated to rivers, lakes and waterfalls...) This is a hardback coffee-table book with atmospheric photos of moody watery expanses (so don't expect quite so much in the way of handy grid refs and regional maps). This book will appeal to anyone who loves a wild place, as well as to the hardier swimmer or triathlete who enjoys a longer swim. You can read more here about the (OSS) Outdoor Swimming Society. Updated 28th May 2008