Sunday 10th July was the 41st Charity Raft Race organised by the Rotary Club of Chester, an annual event which takes place every July on the River Dee.
The Rotary Club of Chester is a friendly organisation with members from the Chester and North Wales area. If you’re interested in joining Chester Rotary Club, please email the address below and they will arrange for you to attend one of their meetings. There are several clubs within the Chester and Cheshire area, and each club has a different profile, but all support projects within their own local area – chesterrotarysec@yahoo.co.uk
The event was very well organised and it was really nice to see the river and its banks alive with action. Thanks to the Rotary Club and sponsors Survitec for delivering this fantastic waterborne event.
We would also like to mention and thank Chester Kayak Hire for the loan of their life jackets on the day. I noticed that one red life jacket was returned with a yellow slimy enhancement to the logo on the back, sorry Mark! CKH do river cruises and various other water activities across the region – find out more here
Each year the race adapts a different theme, this years theme was ‘Chester Transport through the ages’. We went with the Roman chariot and horses idea and I have to say, our design efforts didn’t go unnoticed.
The Harkers raft stole the show with their DeLorean, complete with sound effects and lights – it was awesome! There is already talk among the office of water cannons, pedal power and all kinds of mods for next years raft race, you could say that we have declared war on Harkers already. #sorrynotsorry
As a company it is hard to find the time to support such events due to the operational needs of the business but it is important to disengage with routine, donate some free time and put something back into our communities, into our local charities and for us as individuals to let go and have some fun.
The UK Fly-Boarding champ Jay St John featured again with his spectacular water propelled stunt show. Spectators and rafters alike watched on in awe as he thrust about the river drenching race goers with a kind of menacing elegance.
All of this was in aid of Hospice Of The Good Shepherd and other causes supported by the Rotary Club. According to the latest figures, over £300,000 has been raised so far – but you can still donate here;
The Hospice of the Good Shepherd is a respected provider of palliative care for residents of Cheshire West and Chester and Deeside. They provide services free of charge to patients and families facing life limiting illnesses. In addition, an in-patient unit, out-patient services, a day therapy centre and offer complimentary therapies and bereavement support throughout the community.
“We rely on the generosity of our local communities to fund the crucial work of the Hospice. Less than a third of our £4 million annual running costs come from government funding. The remainder is generated through fundraising, donations, events and corporate partnerships”
You never truly understand how vital these charities are until you need them. Our own hearts have weighed a little heavier as we lost one of our beloved colleagues earlier on this year. He was there with us every stroke of the paddle.
Thanks again for all your support.
#TeamAnchor
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