The Kalkan New Year's Day Looney Dook was a great success this afternoon.

On a warm sunny day, under clear blue skies, organisers Robert Ferguson and John Paton, once again persuaded a number of perfectly rational people to jump into the sea.

We counted 40 people in the water, and as you can see from the photos below, they made quite a splash.  Fancy dress was optional, but many people entered into the spirit of the event.

Last year, a sum of 1,018TL was raised for local good causes.  This year, we are pleased to report that a total of 1,125TL was donated by participants and onlookers.

The intention is to give this sum to the Kalkan Rehabilitation Centre, (Özel Kalkan Özel Eğitim Rehabilitasyon Merkezi), which does magnificent work with special needs children.

This is the third year that people have participated in this fun event, and Kalkan Turkish Local News applauds everyone who took part.  We estimate that around 250 people came along to cheer on the swimmers. 

Well done to Robert and John for organising this great social, and fundraising event.

Below: Alan has a cunning plan to keep his candy floss dry, whilst in the sea; meanwhile, Barbara is having a bad hair day.

Below: Jenny (left), appears to have been Tangoed before taking to the water, and Alison (right) fuels speculation that mad cow disease is making a comeback.

Below: Erol from Kaya restaurant, in an interesting combo - Fred Flintstone's clothes, and Wilma's hair.  Erol is standing next to his style guru, Robert Ferguson.  

Below: Some of the more brightly dressed swimmers pose, before taking the plunge.  Co-organiser John Paton (aka Elvis), is on the left

Below: Tess, who came along to support the swimmers, is dressed for the warm weather.

Below: Sue (left), and Doris Day (right, in pyjamas), speculate about where Clive has his hair done.

Below: And in they go....

Below: Bobbing about in Kalkan Bay.

Below: We think that around 40 swimmers took to the sea.  One brave soul dives in.

Below: Post-swim tots of whiskey - for medicinal purposes only.

Below: Neil picks up his reward for best fancy dress, (Biggles).  Here is Robert, presenting him wth his very own Killie Pie.  (And the answer to your question is, no.  We have no idea what it is either).

Below: A huge crowd packs the Kleo Bar, as the raffle is drawn.