On the 7th June the Rose and Crown partook in the Anthony Nolan Trust's Dragon Boat race to help raise money for people with Leukemia.  We managed to raise just over 1200 pounds for the cause.  Here is the captain's diary of the day.  Enjoy!

Rose & Crown in Boat 2 making a move for the lead

0600 - A new day dawns, one with a feeling of excitement (and a little nervousness) in the air.  But first things first, eat, shower and get ready for work.

1000 - The whole morning is spent trying to get a full days work crammed in before 1200 while at the same time preparing for the big day.

1200 - A last minute 'dash for cash' down the high street, a big thank you to all the business' who sponsored us.

Lined up for the start, a little bit of trash talking is taking place, the team is eager

1500 - Team meeting.  Wells & Young's finest.  A motley crew from all walks of life, ranging from the terrible pirate women 'Bridget the Merciless' (aka our fabulous housekeeper who is the glue to this pub and who gave her body to the cause but more on that later) to 'Tricky Nicky' (aka the Raunchy Landlady).  All last minute minor details were addressed, ie what was our uniform, where did we have to go and how we were getting there.  You know, all the little things that are easy to overlook.  Once we were all sorted, off we set to sail (row) the high sea's (aka Wimbledon Park Lake).

1600 - After a few wrong turns we manage to find the car park.  Its amazing how many people that live in Wimbledon do not know how to find Wimbledon Park, including most of the staff who work at the Rose & Crown.  We were not the first to arrive.  The Lake side was thronged with people either competing or come to cheer on the participants.

And away we go for our first race, Nicky on the drums, the boys & gals of the Rose steady at the oars

1630 - The team registers and hands over its money to the Trust.  We then receive the safety briefing, a task made harder by the fact two of our team members speak very little English (however they are amazing housekeepers, cheers D & Iwona)

1800 - We get kitted up.  Life vests all round, or in the case of Linton 'Bling' McNeil, two life vests taped together.  Last little pep talk from myself, ' alright ladies and gents, dont loose' and we were ready to go.

1815 - We get our first look of the boat, and change the team tactics.  In an attempt to reduce drag, myself and Bling (being a combined 250kg) are seated at the back (we are going for the speed boat effect).  Out we go, the crew working wonderfully as a team.

Back L - R Lee, Jack, Liam, George, Wes, Tom, Mihal Front L - R Bridget, Bling, Iwona, Nicky, D, Jeanre

1820 - We're off!!! Nicky on the drums banging away, everyone else shouting and screaming as we pull away from the start line.  Backs bending, muscles heaving we have a right go at it.  However, I think more water was entering the boat and splashing each other then was remaining in the lake.  As a result we came in a respectful 3rd (out of 3).

Overall, we had a great day and were able to raise some money for a good cause.  We did have one more race in the day, again coming in a respectful 3rd.  After the event we all traveled back to the Rose and Crown for some after race beverages and BBQ.  I would like to thank the team:

Nicky, George, Bling, Liam, Morgan, Lee, Tom, Mihal, D, Iwona, Bridget, Jack, Wes & Jeanre

Tricky Nicky looking relaxed before the big event

A big thank you to all the support we got from the sidelines.  You were amazing.

SPONSORS (In no particular order)

Gardenia - nationwide flower deliveries online
Luella's Boudoir
Quinton Scott - Chartered Surveyors ,Estate Agents
Fired Earth - Interiors
David Clulow - Opticians
Allen Briegel - Estate agents and property consultants
Sovereign Travel & Leisure Limited
Roco Children’s Boutique
RubyMay
Traders Antiques
The Mint Source
Wimbledon Village Club

And all our hard-core regulars from the Rose & Crown, cheers fella's