The return of the Bedford River Festival proved to be a fun filled weekend for Bedford, and the perfect opportunity a team from the Harpur Trust to take on the best of Bedford’s Dragon Boat teams!
Our team came together from across HEART Academies Trust, Pilgrims Pre Preparatory School, Bedford Girls' School, Bedford School, Bedford Modern School and Harpur Trust trustees and staff. They took the opportunity for a practice session at St Neots Rowing Club, with training provided by the St Neots Dragon Boat Team, who take on the kind of challenge on a regular basis. After a lovely evening session covering the basics, the team were in good stead to impress Bedford!
For almost all of the team it was their first experience of racing a Dragon Boat, and they didn’t disappoint! Fifteen teams were entered into the races in front of St Mary’s Gardens, with some of the opposing teams taking it very seriously! The average times from three races decided which teams made it through to the next rounds, and our team was pleased to finish ahead of four others on the day.
It was all in fun and good cheer, and our team showed fantastic team spirit, cheering on the other teams on the day, supported by staff and volunteers at the Harpur Trust refreshment marquee and spouses who pitched in to help. Well done everyone!!!
Watch the team in action on our YouTube channel.
