Bourne Water Dragons Annual Report 2023
The year ending March 2023 for Bourne Water Dragons proved to be eventful, active and financially successful.The key issue facing us ,as well as most Dragon Boat Clubs,is the stabilisation and growth of membership numbers.Our belief that our club can help and improve the life of Cancer survivors is an important message that must be constantly re iterated and spread..
It is clear to all our members that Cancer survivors who wish to remain active have a growing number of options available to them from walking groups to paddle boarding, the latter appears to be increasing exponentially on our river and harbour.The Trustees are fully aware of the challenge of new membership and this issue and marketing initiatives feature consistently on our Trustee meeting agendas.
In May 2022 BWD was privileged to welcome the Mayor of Bournemouth and his official entourage to a beautiful morning ,paddling in bright sunshine.An event which was surprisingly reciprocated by an invitation to evening buffet,refreshments and a guided tour of Bournemouth Town Hall.
Interestingly ,the much needed pontoon at our base ,shared with the Sea Cadets was completed in July 2022.Over half the cost was funded by the BCP Community fund and the Living Legacy Fund and the balance by the Sea Cadets and BWD.
In August 2022 we had the privilege and pleasure of a day paddling with a full boat on the beautiful Beaulieu river at Bucklers Hard, organised by our long standing and much valued BDA coach Tim Smith.The weather was overcast ,mild and breezy and was a wonderful experience for all. In early September we sent a team to compete in the 10 paddler boat Cookham Regatta .We were once again competitive and beaten by a very narrow margin in the Plate final. In mid September we had a sombre and
respectful paddle down the river Stour honouring our Queen who died on September 8 th. and a week later our last mid week evening twilight paddle with head torches.
In early January we took delivery of our own 9 metre ( 10 paddlers) dragon boat replacing the one on loan from the BDA.This was funded by the the very generous donation from Haskins Garden Centre and secured by Hilary Coleman.By acquiring a nearly new boat at a substantial discount and with the agreement of Haskins we released a significant cash sum for equipment spending .In addition we received a significant donation from “ Going for Bust” and also a large sum from a very successful coffee morning organised by Christine Bailey and Hilary Coleman.
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