Sunday 2 August 2009

Ramsholt Challenge, 21st June 2009

Thanks to Will for contributing this article (photos to be added soon), and my apologies for taking so long to put it up here. Well done everyone!



Almost 30 hardy souls from DRC ventured onto the serene and peaceful waters of the Deben on 21st June to raise funds for the
clubhouse appeal. Friends and family had been coerced with sponsorship forms over the previous two months and training had
carried on apace as the Challenge day drew near. There was much talk:
"Singles or doubles?"
"Who's going to win?"
"It's not a race!"
"Only one pub stop!!"
The route was from the clubhouse upstream with the top of the flooding tide through Wilford Bridge and to the iron railway
bridge - as far as it is possible to navigate on the Deben (in a rowing boat), before turning for the sea and heading downstream
to Ramsholt. It took 45 minutes to get everyone afloat - a pair, a quad, a recreational single, 4 singles, 5 doubles and a safety
launch - so some were heading downstream before others had got underway. Eventually all safely arrived at the Ramsholt
Arms to be met by bemused members of the public, along with friends and family. Taking on the minimum of sustenance would
be the key to a good performance row back to Woodbridge against the strongly ebbing tide. Again a staggered start ensured
that a race mentality did not overtake the spirit of the day.

As a club outing it was first class - and out thanks to Nicola for the organisation and perseverance to find an activity open to all
that would raise the much needed funds for the club.

The greatest part of the challenge remains open - the collecting of sponsorship money!