Ascension : Pierhead Plumment
Submitted by The Islander (Islander Internet Editor) 05.01.2012 (Article Archived on 19.01.2012)

A bleary eyed and bewildered crowd gathered at the Pierhead on Sunday morning for the traditional Ascension Island New Year’s Day Pierhead Lemming Leap.

A bleary eyed and bewildered crowd gathered at the Pierhead on Sunday morning for the traditional Ascension Island New Year’s Day Pierhead Lemming Leap.   

No one knows the origin of this seemingly mad idea but it is generally held to be the fault of Johnny Hobson…if not for its instigation, at least for its continuance.  (as with most things!!)

Showing the way was a visitor to the island, (I’m reliably informed by my daughter’s friend that it was Miss Annalise’s sister’s boyfriend!) but the locals soon rallied with a good showing from the Scott family, Dr Bill, Annalise, Dane, Caz, Chris and Hannah, Keiron, Simon, the American Contingent including Andy, Natasha, James and Bernard, and assorted other lunatics (too many to mention…sorry!)  Soon the Pierhead became a dangerous place to loiter, as anyone appearing too dry was “encouraged” to jump.  Johnny Hobson and sons seemed reluctant to join in at first but soon got their courage up with Yanick demonstrating some excellent somersaulting skills.  Highlights/awards this year must surely be:

·         Best Leap – Bobo for combining athleticism with

courage and sheer madness in a death-defying leap over the rails, somersaulting and then diving into the water.

·         Youngest Leaper – Isabella Scott aged 4 for showing up all the trembly-kneed adults by leaping off fearlessly more than once.

·         Most Enthusiastic Leaper – Hannah Yon for almost making it to double figures on her first year of participating. 

·         Best Tandem Jump – Shari Parkhill for overcoming last minute “stage fright” and leaping with her cuddly hippo.

·         Poorest Excuse – Felicity Hardy who despite only living a stone’s throw from the Pierhead was heard bemoaning the fact that she had no swimsuit and therefore couldn’t jump in.

·         Best Safety Marshall – Finn Hobson who never left the water, providing life raft and in water herding.

Well done to all those who plucked up the courage, particularly the visitors to the island from the hotel and the yachts that got into the spirit and joined in.  

Until 1 January 2013………….

CJY