Marissa Belle

The Lincoln Dragon Boat Race is returning to the city for a second year to help raise funds for several organisations.

The boat race will be held on Saturday, July 22 on the city’s Brayford Wharf and a number of local businesses are already signed up to take part.

The event will be helping to raise money for LIVES, St Barnabas Hospice and the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance.

An ancient Chinese tradition, dragon boat racing is one of the fastest growing water activities in Britain and also one of the most fun. This year there are over 14 teams competing to be crowned the Lincoln Dragon Boat Champion 2017, including last year’s champions, APSS.

Other teams for this year include Lincoln BIG, Delta-Simons Environmental Consultants, Streets Accountants, The Holiday Inn, Lambert Smith Hampton and DS Smith Packaging.

Michael Armstrong, Head of Events at Lincoln BIG said: “It’s great to see the event back in the city’s calendar of events. Last year the atmosphere was fantastic, with hundreds of spectators cheering on the local teams competing.

“We are thrilled to be involved in such an important event for Lincoln and would encourage people to come on the day and support.”

Organiser of the event Alex Bennett at Ringrose Law said: “The Lincoln Dragon Boat Race promises to be a great day out for local teams competing, families and friends.

“So whether you are a willing spectator ready to cheer everyone on or a champion oarsman in the making – you need to be there.

“As well as being great fun, this event will also raise vital funds to 3 very important and local charities. So please come and show your support on the day!”

More information about the event can be found on the website here. 

Over 70 new wells are being completed in the Dhaka area of Bangladesh, benefitting over 23,000 people, thanks to a Lincoln rotary club.

Lindum Rotary Club has announced the completion of the major project, which has been made possible thanks to over £40,000 of donations and grants.

Bangladesh has one of the worst environmental problems in the world. Natural arsenic exists in top soil and causes many health problems and even death. The answer is deeper water wells.

Through fundraising, sponsorships and donations from other rotary clubs and rotary charitable grants, the initial project, costing £40,000, was to install 65 water wells in 20 villages, benefitting 20,000 people.

Opening of a well at the Dhaka Rotary

Inspired by the success of the project, the Rotary Club then gained further sponsorship and is supporting a new project for 10 more wells, which will benefit a further 3,000 people.

Lindum Rotary Club President Mike Perridge said: “Although our fundraising and other help is mainly for Lincolnshire projects like the Lincoln Larder Food Bank and St Barnabas Hospice, we are delighted to have helped so many people in Bangladesh who have so little.”

Management of the project by local Bangladeshi Rotary members in executive positions have ensured safeguards against corruption, and a terrific value for money – good water for years to come at only £2 per head.

The club says nothing has been taken for administration and meticulous accounting and auditing was performed.