Sherborne Country Fair

What a day!

A great day was held at the Sherborne Country Fair on Bank Holiday Monday, 26th May 2024, where BWD met with 24 teams of Dragon boaters to compete in three races.

The venue was on the grounds of the beautiful Sherborne Castle, built by Sir Walter Raleigh and landscaped by the 18th-century garden designer Capability Brown.

Some BWD members arrived the night before and pitched up the event tent in the allocated area, just in front of the entry pontoon and finishing line. This was a great location for a picture-perfect view.

The weather was cloudy and overcast, with short bursts of sunshine. BWD team captain Dave chose the first team and informed everyone of their seating positions. With brand new lifejackets on and a short safety talk from the helm, it was 'all aboard.' With no obvious nerves and clear determination, we paddled comfortably towards the start line.

Our first race was against Pink Champagne, an all-women, breast cancer survivors, local team, also from Bournemouth.

Suddenly, the music from Hawaii 5.0 began to blast out from the tannoy. All too quickly, we were off. Heart, soul, and dogged concentration, with Dave pushing us on. No sooner had we started, than we had finished. It was over. We won! 

Times: Pink Champagne: 1.29.03 mins/ BWD: 1.20.70.

We were relieved and joyful, but now we had to wait patiently until all other teams had completed the first heat. Overall, we came 5th, with the best time being 01.13.46mins for 'Row Hard or Row Home Team'.

We had time for a break to relax, chat with friends, and generally chill out.

For our second race, we were up against the 'Reservoir Dragons'. The same procedure took place: Dave chose the team and seating. It was a close race, with some of us thinking we had lost, but… again, we won!

Times: Reservoir Dragons: 1.17.51mins/ BWD: 1.17.36mins.
A breath space between winner and loser. Unbelievable. 

It's time for a bit of relaxation, sandies, and watching the weather gradually deteriorate. For our final race, our opponents this time were the 'Leweston Leviathans'. This is the teacher/parent team from Leweston School, whom we congratulate as they took the bronze medal in the overall competition.

As we boarded the dragon boat, the heavens opened. Even under such brutal conditions, we gave it our best, but our best was not good enough this time. 

Times: BWD: 1.19.02/ Leweston Leviathans: 1.10.30min…we LOST.

Pink Champagne cheered and clapped us over the finishing line, and although we were disappointed by the result, we were pleased with the performance.

In the overall competition, we came 8th of the 24 teams participating. A great achievement, and we can all feel pretty proud.

• Leweston Sixth Form - retained the Gold medal
• Leweston Red Team - Silver 
• Leweston Leviathans - Bronze

Well done all.

What a day! Bring on 2025.