Police find perfect excuse for messing about on the river
Law enforcers join Great River Race for noble cause
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The crew training in Bechgyn Tew on the Thames at Chiswick |
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Any firm or individual who wishes to sponsor the crew please contact Wynne Jones on 0208 247 6200. Full details of the charity can be obtained on www.sebastiansactiontrust.org Details of the great river race can be obtained at www.greatriverrace.co.uk Sign
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After seventeen years, The Great River Race has firmly established itself in the local sporting calendar to such an extent that experienced crews now describe it as a classic event - the one they all want to win.
With its intriguing mix of colour, spectacle, intense competition and casual fun, it combines all the ingredients that made London's 'other' marathon such a success; but with the addition of dozens of new photo opportunities as the race progresses from semi-rural Surrey past many historic landmarks until it reaches the striking Docklands skyline.
A crew of Police Officers from Hounslow borough will be taking part this year in a boat named "Bechgyn Tew" (Welsh for Fat Boys) which, according to their captain, has been so called after the crew.
Chief Inspector of Operations and Captain of Bechgyn Tew, Wynne Jones, is currently facing mutiny over which flag to row under (Welsh or English) and heated negotiations remain ongoing between himself, the only Welshman and the other five English crew members.
The crew consists of Wynne Jones Chief Inspector Operation, David Page Superintendent Operations, Nigel Glover (the only experienced rower) Chief Inspector Criminal Justice, Andy Rose Detective Inspector Community Safety Unit, Dave Henfrey Feltham Sector Inspector and Paul Switzer Chief Inspector Westminster ( Ex Feltham Inspector )
They aim to raise funds for the Sebastian Gates's Action against Cancer, a registered charity committed to realising the last wish of Sebastian Gates before he died, at just nine years of age, on Christmas Eve 2003, after a two and a half year battle with cancer. The trust aims to provide accommodation and support to families affected by cancer. Sebastian Gates was the son of DCI Mick Gates with whom many of the crew have worked.
To give all crews an equal chance, entrants were handicapped according to the calculated potential performance of their boats. This was done on a scientific basis, using naval architects calculations and a sophisticated computer programme. And, to add spice to the contest, it was to be run on a 'slowest away first, fastest last' basis, with every boat individually timed over the course. Despite a start line handicap period of well over an hour, some close racing was expected - and achieved.
The winners on handicap would hold, for one year, the handsome Challenge Trophy of The Company of Watermen & Lightermen - featuring a mounted original Watermen's badge - issued to William Savage of Gravesend in 1803. Trophies are presented to the winners of six other classes, while a fund has been established to enable cash prizes to be paid direct to the successful entrants' nominated charities.
September 14, 2005