Downstream

Olivia, who joined us on a
surfboard at the end of our
swim. She’s thirteen and is
concentrating on brushing her
hair before a small sink, ‘I
know,’ she says in absolute
appreciation. We sit outside
to have tea and biscuits, while
the children of the various
Redcaps play. To my far right
two women are bowling;
we’re at the end of their
green. This Chalkwell open-
water swimming club is just