Every morning, while many are still slumbering in bed or preparing for the day ahead, a small, but dedicated group of swimmers are lapping Forster's Main Beach or the Bullring.
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When the chill of winter sets in, these keen swimmers can still be found splashing around in the nippy water.
Eighty-five-year old Terry Hudson is one of the 60 plus members of the Forster Turtles ocean swimming group who meet every morning for a dip, often followed by a coffee chaser and a good chin-wag.
Terry has been rising early to swim at Forster's Main Beach for 18 of the 20 years he has called Tuncurry home.
Terry likened the swimming group to a family, especially since Janet, his wife of more than 60 years died last year.
"They are very supportive of me; they are a social group," he said.
"And, they are a good group."
"It's all about exercise and comradeship."
Terry did run for a time notching up an incredible 20 City to Surf events and completing three marathons during the jogging period of his life.
But, like many athletes who pound the pavement, Terry's knees couldn't keep up with the pace forcing him to throw in the joggers.
Three knee replacements later, and Terry has slowed the pace to a stroll to the shore, a swim and back.
I like the environment of a volunteer and the outdoor life of exercise and comradeship.
- Terry Hudson
Swimming has been part and parcel of Terry's life since he taught himself to swim as a 10-year-old at Drummoyne Swimming Pool in Sydney.
Like many youngsters back in the day, Terry was self-taught: "There weren't any swimming teachers in those days."
The ocean eventually beckoned in the early 1960s and Terry joined firstly Freshwater and then Bondi surf life saving clubs, and in due course, Forster.
He also served on the Surf Life Saving Association board of examiners.
"I like the environment of a volunteer and the outdoor life of exercise and comradeship.
"And, the surf is very attractive for swimming."
After completing his education at Christian Brothers, Burwood, Terry worked in a timber mill, and completed his National Service before becoming a Commonwealth and State driver.
While he has met many famous, world leaders and States men and women, it was his encounter with former US secretary of state, Henry Kissinger that he loves to regaile his audience with.
A little hard of hearing, Terry didn't catch the name of the important visitor when he picked him up from the hotel.
It wasn't until he'd dropped Kissinger off at the function and had a word with a police officer that he realised who the important Commonwealth guest was.
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You won't want to forget tomorrow's pick-up, the officer told Terry.
"It's Margaret Thatcher."
Terry recently celebrated his 85 birthday with a regular swim, a celebratory cake from his fellow Turtles and a visit from family and friends.
He believes an active lifestyle has contributed to his longevity.
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