Trustees Joanne Willett and Alison Barr organised a swimming themed race night on the 18th January 2025. This was no ordinary race night simply watching pre recorded races on a tv screen, but one where audience participation in the races was key.
Attendees were invited to ‘coach’ the swimmers to victory whilst the supporters had the opportunity to place bets on who would win.

The swimmers on the night were five 18″ dolls and the coaches had to reel in the dolls as quickly as possible.

There were mixed races with both adults and children competing against each other and anyone could win.
Race 3 saw the “Rugby Dads” step up to the coaching role and whilst the favourite with the punters was the Dad with the biggest muscles, size doesn’t always mean speed.
The ‘Mum’s’ race also got competitive (like it always does at school sports day) and despite one Mum having a bandaged hand, roped in a child to help her compete.
The final race of the evening was a team relay. Four teams of four plucked up the courage to take on the challenge and after team tactics talk about how to manage the hand over, it was the purple team (The Chiappinelli Family) that finished victorious.

Medals were awarded for first, second and third place and everyone who entered a race received a ticket to the prize draw.

First prize was wine, chocolates and an exclusive hand knitted Ward Freman Duck who hasn’t learnt to swim (hence the lifejacket)!

Thank you to everyone involved in the night helping to raise £540.