Dragon boats make a splash with the crowds
Sunday 26th September saw Chichester Priory Rotary’s Dragon Boat Challenge held on Chichester Canal. This raises much needed funds for Cancerwise and other local charities. The well established annual event, combined with fine weather, led to large crowds flocking to the canal. The atmosphere was electric with competitors and visitors cheering along the water’s edge from the Canal Basin to Ponytz Bridge. The earliest had arrived well before 10 a.m. to set up their chairs in pole viewing position!
With so many people enjoying what the canal has to offer, Canal Trust volunteers did a sterling job, especially those in the Cafe, where the queue for refreshments snaked out the door. The Trust also presented a Heritage display and activities for children, which proved popular. It was wonderful to welcome everyone back this year for a spectacular community event.
First prize for adult teams was presented to the Chichester SUP Club, who narrowly beat Cancerwise Corkers in a fast time of 1 minute 1.06 seconds. The SUP club also scooped the prize for best fancy dress – 60s themed. In the junior class, 1st Barnham Scouts Phantom and Ghost teams tied for 1st place in a time of 1 minute 10.51 seconds – a very fine effort by all.
Rotary Chairman, John Watkins, accompanied by the Town Crier and City Bailiff, thanked the teams, the visitors, his Rotary colleagues and Trust volunteers for a splendid day and said “we hope for even more entries next year!”
Photo credits: Richard Gatley and Janet Osborne (Winners celebrating)
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