TWENTY-TWO teams of rowers raised hundreds of pounds for charity at the highly successful fifth annual Dragon Boat Race.
Organised by the Tonbridge Town Team, there was a rich variety of costumes on display from pirates to a team of Donald Trumps.
The winners were Tonbridge School’s Boars with Oars, Bidborough Dragons came second and Hidden Heroes were third.
The Mayor of Tonbridge & Malling, Roger Dalton, presented the prizes: Baldwins Buccaneers were named as the best dressed boat while DSUK, a group of young people – some of whom have special needs – won the award for the most valiant team.
Disability Snow Sport UK, which is based at the Bowles Outdoor Centre on the Eridge Road, gives people with disabilities a chance to ski using adaptive equipment and techniques.
Sarah Spence of the Tonbridge Town Team, the Race Director, said:Â “These brilliant Dragons raced with fantastic tenacity and enthusiasm, easily keeping pace with the other teams.
Tricia Lester of Baldwins Buccaneers, the best dressed team
“This is the beauty of Dragon Boat Racing,” she added, “there are no boundaries or limits to who can participate.”
The stalls from local eateries along the newly refurbished River Walk sold a range of tasty refreshments including Nepalese curries.
Sarah said: “Many thanks to our volunteers from the Lions, the teams and the public of Tonbridge – without whom the Dragon Boat Race day wouldn’t be possible.
“It was an amazing day. The weather was good with only one rain shower and although chilly towards the end our valiant teams kept their spirits up, continued to row brilliantly and a great deal of fun was had by all.”
