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Dragon Boat Index A Typical Day Origin & History Race Schedule Pictures Video |
A Typical
Day – by a ‘Bystander’
The Saturday dawned a beautiful summer morning in June and it was to remain so throughout the day with blue skies punctuated by white wispy cloud. It was the day of the Pangbourne Village Fete and another year that the Rotary Club of Pangbourne had staged its Charity Dragon Boats Challenge as part of this popular June event. At Pangbourne Meadow, just downstream from the well-known Pangbourne Village toll bridge, by 07.45 hrs many of Pangbourne Rotary Club members were already gathered beside the river bank setting up the Dragon Boats main entrance from the central Fete arena leading to the racing area. The control tent was soon in evidence as were the crew marshalling corner, start and finish lines, results notice boards and crowd barriers. All these were decorated with bunting and posters, adding to the fun of the event. This activity was complemented by similar bustle and excitement in the main Fete area as the arena was set out and stall holders arrived. Already the smell of freshly cooked bacon rolls was wafting across these early birds. By 08.30 the team from Henley Dragon Boat Club had arrived and the three dragon boats were soon afloat. Henley Dragons have been the partner with Pangbourne Rotary since this charity event started in 2001. Henley Dragons, whose crews compete nationally and internationally, are responsible for the expert management of what takes place on the water. The first crews were arriving to register by 08.45 and staking their claims on spots along the bank beside the Thames ….. providing the swans allowed them to! As usual each crew was guaranteed to have at least three races. The day progressed with all the usual friendly rivalry, seeing two sets of heats in the morning and then on to semi finals, tail races and finals in the afternoon. The winners and runners-up emerged and the coveted Dragon Head prizes and Certificates were presented. Everyone enjoyed themselves, crews, supporters and spectators. However most pleasing for all who took part was the amount raised for charities and worthwhile causes. The total this year (2005) this had come to over £8,000 net. Monies arrived from two sources. The event entry fee donations to Pangbourne Rotary Club were about £4,000, added to the sponsorship gained and collected by the crews themselves for their own nominated charities, which came to over £4,000. It had been yet another really fun day, which is why so many teams come back year after year.
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