Yangtze Sepik Swim
“At the start of the Cultural Revolution in 1966, the Chinese press reported that Chairman Mao Zedong (then age 73) swam across the Yangtze River at Wuhan. The story was intended to quash rumors that Mao was either gravely ill or dead.” WuhanTravel Guide
When did the Birdman swim across the Sepik?
“Now the Birdman, it was when Trueman was building the club toilets etc. I can’t recall the year, but I distinctly remember that it was between smokes!”
Peter Johnson (Former Secretary of the Angoram Club)
I would say from memory that Adrian Birb swam the Sepik River in 1969.
The Chairman’s swim, in a sense, ushered in the Cultural Revolution and the Birdman’s swim coincided with revolutionary changes in the social and political life in Angoram.
Adrian Bird, the Birdman, was a master builder who was initially employed by Geoff King, the Manager of the Angoram Hotel, to carry out hotel renovations. When these were finished, Kevin Trueman, entrepreneur and builder, decided to retain the Birdman to start and complete a contract he had with the Angoram Club.
The swim was a perilous achievement as the current of the mighty river almost carried him away. On reaching the bank he was heard to say: “I need a smoke.”
I think the dangers that Adrian faced were greater than those faced by the Chairman. Whether, of course, the enormous political implications were as great for the Birdman as for Mao is a matter for debate.
Both were significant revolutionary figures.
Dan Claasen said,
October 29, 2009 at 7:18 am
Where did he swim from and, more to the point, why? Can we have a map of the crossing point?
David Wall said,
October 29, 2009 at 10:17 pm
Dan
To exactly answer your questions I shall have to consult an eyewitness first.
David
deberigny said,
November 1, 2009 at 6:00 am
“Birdman was pretty broke; he did it for money! There was a huge purse on offer if he could do it, rules were set – which took hours!
He was pretty smart and started from the top end of the Service Camp, even so he misjudged the current, his strength, or both. He was allowed under the set rules to briefly come ashore on the far bank. When he did he gasped “anybody got a fag?” He completed the return swim, landing in the pitpit between Laskompani and Taway! Sorry my cartographer’s on strike! ”
Peter Johnson