By Christina Cosgrove
The film Vindication Swim ( by Elliot Hasler) tells the story of Mercedes Gleitz who on her eighth attempt became the first English woman to swim the English Channel on the 7th October 1927. However, in the following days another woman Mona McLennan claimed to have swum the channel faster. This proved to be a total fabrication but unfortunately this hoax undermined Mercedes claim. Under pressure from the media she agreed to undertake a ‘Vindication Swim’ even though by now the water was much colder than when she had made her original swim and was outside the time such an attempt would normally be made. She failed to complete this second attempt but her endurance convinced everyone that the original record should stand.
Elliot Hasler wanted to film some of the swimming sequences for his film in Newhaven and in May 2021 invited us Affinity Rowing Club and other local rowing clubs (Lewes Pilot gig and Newhaven Gig Rowing club) to participate in this filming. He wanted some of us to act as extras on the dock and others to be out in the gigs on the water. Our brief was that we had to dress in clothing that would not look out of place in that era, and advised that as rowing was predominantly a male sport in those days we should also dress as men! After much rummaging around at home we all arrived at Newhaven West Beach car park in our vintage ensembles ready for our acting debut. With all our caps on we looked like the cast of Peaky Blinders and Pesky Blinders became our new crew name for the day!
It was a lovely day and fantastic atmosphere with everyone in costume, vintage cars and even a fake fish stand! It was decided that Jane, Heather, Louise, Kelly, Amanda and myself would be in Grace with Olivia coxing. Olivia’s husband, Des, helped organise the boats by radio and we found ourselves out in the bay waiting for our cue. We had to be in the right place at the right time which involved a lot of manoeuvring around to get in shot and waiting around for ‘Action’ to be called. We all had a great time, Olivia getting completely into character and having the odd draw on her pipe.
We felt really privileged to be part of this amazing story, especially as Mercedes was actually born in Brighton. The film is in cinemas next month, so do go and see if you can spot Grace.
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