14 year partnership between Dragon Boat Events and Rotary International continues to flourish
Dragon Boat Events (DBE) is proud to be working with Rotary on their many projects worldwide. DBE began working with Rotary in 1997 with District 1130 and the Rotary Club of Finsbury (now the Rotary Club of Tower Hamlets). Since then we have increased our partnership nationwide. Together we have raised money for many charities and worthwhile causes worldwide.
Kingston Rotary Event - Sunday 17th July
Sunday 17th July, Kingston upon Thames, 8.30.am. The date, place and time that teams began arriving for the Kingston Rotary Dragon Boat challenge. Rotary members had begun setting up the site at around 7am. By 9.45am all was set to begin briefing the teams for the first of 55 races, yes really, 55 races. 54 teams were entered for the event and by 10.30 am all the teams were on site and raring to go. The sky was overcast and threatening but that threat was not to materialise for a while at least. There were a vast number of stalls of all types around the park and we also had the benefit of a fairground for the enjoyment of competitors and general public alike. The racing, with 4 boats racing in each heat, got under way shortly after 10am and continued uninterrupted until 4.30 pm with the eight boat grand final. The teams, many of whom had dressed in fancy dress, were truly inspiring with their enthusiasm and energy.. Once again an event to be proud of.
Portsmouth Rotary Event - Sunday 22nd May
A fabulous day was had by all. The high wind, whilst causing a few difficulties at the start line, in no way impeded the progress of the teams taking part. As the day went on the teams got faster and faster. Virtually every team continued to improve on their previous race times, with some truly outstanding performances. Racing was close and hard fought and every inch was hotly contested. The spirit of the teams was an absolute pleasure. A number of the paddlers had competed in previous years and were determined to improve on past performance. I would estimate in the region of 1000 individuals on site with their families and picnics and a magnificent "festival" atmosphere. A great deal of funds were raised for the multitude of charities supported by the teams, and all with smiles, cheers and boat loads of laughter. All in all, another very successful event.
Bill Handley, our event manager
Fairlop Rotary Dragon Boat Event 15th May: view some photos on:
www.dragonboatevents-dragonboatevents.blogspot.com
The Dragon Boat Race was a lot of fun.
We started the day at Fairlop Waters by gearing up in sparkling cowboy hats and having our faces expertly painted in the Subway colours by Louisa, we then proceeded to get our buoyancy aids and paddles and off we went to our first race!
Our first attempt was, although within good time, a little all over the place. No two paddles seemed to hit the water at the same time and most of the team members were totally drenched by the end of it.
In preparation for our second race we changed tactics. Instead of the recommended chant of “1 and 2 and 1 and 2….” we decided to chant “Sub - way, Sub – way, Sub – way…” and lo and behold we were rowing as a team in a smooth performance and improved on our initial time by 6 seconds.
For our last and final qualifying race we were coached a little by our helm Pete and we took off like a fish flying over water. We left our competing boat behind by two boat lengths (and I think we drenched all their members along the way) and finished by kicking our arms up in victory – which is NOT what you’re meant to be doing as it almost made us capsize – but the team was very happy with the race and we were sure victory was ours. Alas the competition was fierce and we needed to get into the top 6 teams to qualify for the finales. We didn’t quite make that (I think we missed out by a mere second and a half) which means we will have to go back next year to try again.
Here are some quotes from the team members about the day.
Sarah Fox: “A fantastic day with great team spirit from the Subway team! With Elvira’s banging of the drums and the ‘Sub-Way’ shout to make sure we were all in time, being drenched on the boat was well worth it for this great cause!”
Louisa Smith: “It was a well organised, fun, family day out that allowed people of all abilities to partake in a safe water based race. The team spirit amongst the actual boat crew and all our supporters was excellent and we needed them cheering us on and looking after our bags whilst we went to battle on the high seas! (Well the windy shores of Fairlop Waters)... It was a fantastic team bonding exercise and a great way to raise money for ANHO.”
Jo Solman: “I will forever hear the chant of "subway subway subway" Cracking day but advise warming up......!!”
Hernan Quiroga: “It was a fun packed day full of excitement and water!”
Everyone on the team and the supporters who came along to cheer us on had a fantastic day. The event was well organized and there were lots of things to keep us entertained while we weren’t racing. The kids enjoyed the bouncing castle, Heather had a great go at the rodeo, the pony ride was a hit and when we ran out of things to do we made our own fun by practising the “Subway Haka” to intimidate the other teams:
I would like to say special thanks to our photographer Becky and also to Abiy Negussi who provided us with Subway Platters. Thanks to Celina & puppy Cookie, Cath, Cam, Ciera, Heather, Charles’ mum Diane, Farhat, Fernandes and Alexander for coming along to support us!
Thank you once again to everyone who supported us by donating to ANHO http://www.anhoe.org !
The Subway Dragon Boat Racing team:
Dhiresh Raichura and his wife Alpa, Mark Bradley with Masayo, Jo Solman, Dan Lewis, Peter Howard, Prakash Solanki, Hernan Quiroga, Rusty Warren, Hakim Mawhoub, Louisa Smith, Charles Stewart, Sarah & Ashley, Elvira Lautenschlager & Peter Russell-Wilks
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DBE has developed an exclusive package especially for Rotary. This package acknowledges our special working relationship and provides specially negotiated cost effective solutions.
DBE is the only UK provider to meet or exceed all of the rigorous criteria required by Rotary of its suppliers.
We work with you to tailor your event to your own specific needs.
FULFILLING ROTARY'S THREE PRIME OBJECTIVES
1. RAISE MONEY FOR NUMEROUS CHARITIES AND PROJECTS
2. RAISING THE PROFILE OF ROTARY IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY
3. INCREASE MEMBERSHIP
DBE has a Rotary specialist in most areas of the UK. In the true spirit of Rotary, these individuals from currently successful events and clubs are more than happy to offer their experience and advice in establishing your own event.
*DBE's own event liaison staff will also be on hand to help you in the technical and logistical development of your event.
North England -* Richard Crapper - 07745247090 E-Mail rich@dragonboatevents.com
Steve Burton (York Rotary Club)
MIdlands - Bruce Gow (Abingdon Rotary Club)
Scotland - Charles Milroy (Dumfries Devorgilla)
London & East Anglia - Tony Sharma (Tower Hamlets Rotary Club) Mobile - 07957425295 E-Mail tonysharma99@gmail.com
South and South East - *Roger Irwin 07850353864 E-Mail roger@dragonboatevents.com
Gary Dickens (Portsmouth & Southsea Rotary Club)
Graham Stowe & Lynne Crabtree (Chippenham and Wiltshire Vale Rotary Club)
Cornwall & Devon - * Mike Lanyon 07718 393087 mikelanyon@talktalk.net
All the above Rotary Clubs have web pages where you will be able to find their contact details and information about their dragon boat events.
RIBI NATIONAL UK FINALS 2ND OCTOBER 2011
RIBI WORLD FINALS 7TH OCTOBER 2012
These events will be hosted by The Rotary Club of Tower Hamlets, District 1130, scheduled for Sunday 2nd October 2011 and The World Rotary International Finals on 7th October 2012. These events will be held at the official 2012 Olympic rowing venue, Dorney Lake, Berkshire (Near Windsor Castle)
Districts & Clubs that run Dragon Boat Events:- 1090 R C of Abingdon Vesper - 1020 R C of Dumfries Devorgilla - 1100 R C Bristol Breakfast -1040 R C of Huddersfield & Wakefield - 1040 R C of York - 1270 R C of Kingston - 1000 R C of Hereford - 1210 R C of Cannock - 1200 R C of Chippenham Wiltshire Vale - 1110 Portsmouth & Southsea Rotary - 1180 Southport Rotary - 1210 R C of Wolverhampton - 1240 Billericay Rotary Club -1290 R C of Falmouth RNLI Dist 1050 - R C Weymouth and Portland - R C of Scarborough Cavaliers - R C of Lunesdale, Lancaster - R C of Leith, Edinburgh
