The countdown to the annual Saundersfoot New Year’s Day Swim has begun, and this year, two Templeton Primary School pupils are gearing up for a daring challenge in support of their school’s charity, Friends of Templeton School.

Joshua and Oliver, aged 9 and 7, will take part in the swim on January 1 – dressed in their full school uniforms – to raise funds for their school. But before they take the plunge, they had a very special visitor: Charlie Shivers, the mascot for the iconic New Year’s Day swim!

The visit took place during a special school assembly, where Charlie Shivers was introduced to the enthusiastic pupils by Headteacher Mr Kevin Phelps. Charlie’s presence brought plenty of smiles and energy as he cheered on Joshua and Oliver for their upcoming challenge.

Charlie’s presence brought plenty of smiles and energy as he cheered on Joshua and Oliver for their upcoming challenge.
Charlie’s presence brought plenty of smiles and energy as he cheered on Joshua and Oliver for their upcoming challenge. (Templeton Primary School)

Mr Phelps expressed his pride in the pupils’ commitment, stating: "We are incredibly proud of Joshua and Oliver for their enthusiasm and courage in participating in the New Year’s Day Swim. Their efforts to support the Friends of Templeton School charity show great community spirit, and we are so pleased that Charlie Shivers could be here to cheer them on."

The two schoolboys are taking part in the New Year’s Day swim as part of their effort to raise funds for Friends of Templeton School, the charity that helps support various school activities, resources, and improvements. Dressed in their school uniforms, the boys will go into the freezing waters of Saundersfoot Beach on January 1, hoping to inspire other children and schools across Pembrokeshire to join the challenge.

“Meeting Charlie Shivers was amazing! It made us even more excited to do the swim and raise money for our school,” said Joshua, aged 9. “We hope lots of people donate and support us.”

“We hope other kids will join in too,” said Oliver, aged 7 “and it was great having Charlie Shivers visit us to help get everyone excited about the swim!”

Charlie Shivers has long been a key figure of the Saundersfoot New Year’s Day Swim, known for encouraging participants and spreading festive cheer.

“Charlie Shivers’ visit to Templeton Primary was a fantastic boost to Joshua and Oliver’s fundraising efforts,” said a spokesperson for Friends of Templeton School. “We are so proud of these two young boys for their bravery and commitment to raising funds for their school. The support of the community, as well as the spirit of events like the New Year’s Day swim, makes all the difference to the children of Templeton Primary.”

Charlie Shivers visiting Templeton Primary School
Charlie Shivers visiting Templeton Primary School (Templeton Primary School)

The Pembrokeshire school is dedicated to creating a nurturing environment where children can thrive academically, socially, and creatively. Pupils are encouraged to become active contributors to their school and the wider community.

The swim will take place at 12.30pm on January 1 at Saundersfoot Beach, and all members of the community are invited to come along to cheer on the participants. Donations can be made online via the JustGiving fundraising page or in person at the event.