Auckland's gay swimming team is going strong after 15 years – and are celebrating with a stylish ‘Crystal Queer' banquet dinner and party. Team Auckland Swimmers founding member Ron Judd says that through winter around 15 people regularly attend the group to swim and socialise, but over the warmer months they can attract up to 60 swimmers. During the HERO Festival each year, their ‘Chocolate Fish Swim Meet' raises money for worthy charities like Rainbow Families and Rainbow Youth. The team meets each Tuesday and Thursday evening at the Tepid Baths (Sturdee Road, Auckland City) from 7.30pm for an hour in the pool. The baths have a heated pool, gymnasium, sauna and spa facilities. “Some people come regularly twice a week, others once a week, others less frequently,” Judd says. “On Thursday we usually go around the corner and have a few drinks after the swim.” The ‘Crystal Queer' party is from 7pm, Saturday 4th August at Westmere School Hall, Larchwood Avenue. BYO drinks, and $35 ticket price includes a banquet dinner and door prizes. For further details about Team Auckland Swimmers, and to book for the party, contact Ron Judd on email: rjudd@pl.net or phone 09 849 4461. Ref: GayNZ.com (m)