Enjoy yourself and support the centre at the same time...

Planned events are listed below but we definitely need your support if they are to go ahead and be a success.  If you are holding an event and would like to support the MS Therapy Centre, please do get in touch!

~ Quiz Night

Our recent quiz night (3 Oct 09) was a great success raising £1,200 for the Centre.  Our thanks go to our quiz-masters - Dave and Kate from Folk for MS, the caterer Mrs Spurrett and staff at Didcot Civic Hall.  Keep your eye out for the date for our 2010 quiz!

DRAGON BOAT RACING

Do you know anyone who would be interested in taking part ? or do you know any Company that might put together a team ?

We need about 20 people (16 +1 drummer).  Each person would need to raise about £100 sponsorship.  Two thirds of the money raised comes to us and one third to the Rotary Club of Abingdon Vesper's charity fund.  In 2007 we raised a significant amount for the centre and the day was great fun, but very wet!!  More information below... 

The Rotary Club of Abingdon Vesper's Dragon Boat Day is an annual fund raising event held alongside the River Thames in Abingdon.

What is Dragon Boat racing?

Dragon Boat racing is an ancient Chinese tradition over 2000 years old and is one of Britain's most competitive water sports. It's a great way to raise money and it's spectacular, colourful, exciting and fun!

No experience required!

What is a Dragon Boat?

A Dragon Boat is a 40 foot long narrow boat, decorated with a Chinese dragon head and tail, and propelled by a crew of 16 paddlers who are kept in rhythm by a drummer. An experienced member of the event organisation crew steers the boat and ensures that everyone has a fun but safe time on the water.

Teams and Races

Teams are made up of at least 17 people but can change their crew between races so that more people can have a go. Each team is given full safety instructions and a short practice before the races.

All equipment is provided, boats, paddles, life jackets etc., and the whole event is organised with safety in mind.

Teams will race each other in a number of heats throughout the day and the fastest teams will then compete in the final. The winning team will be presented with medals and a trophy at a prize giving ceremony at the end of the day.

The target is to raise at least £2000 per team, with one third of the money raised going to the Rotary Club of Abingdon Vesper's charity fund and two thirds to the MSTC our charity.

Attractions

There will be lots of things to see and do on Dragon Boat Day apart from Dragon Boat racing.

Past events have seen art and craft stalls, games, a raffle, a barbecue, a bar, various refreshment stalls, a bouncy castle, a climbing wall and a fairground.