The Rotary Clubs of Northampton staged their annual Dragon Boat Festival on 17th July 2011 at Midsummer Meadow

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The event was being held by Northampton Rotary in support of the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance and other local charities.

Families had great fun watching 36 teams battling it out in the Dragon Boat Race on the River Nene.  As the river flows through neighbouring Becket's Park, it seemed only fitting that volunteers from the Becket's Park Partnership formed team "Ave Marina", raising just over £1,000 for worthy local charities.  These brave, stripy, muscle-flexing, moustache-wearing individuals 'pulled' together to come a valiant 27th place, while the RNRP team at base discussed the Becket's Park Marina Project with interested members of the public.

"Ave Marina" crew members consisted of volunteers from West Northamptonshire Development Corporation, Northampton Borough Council, River Nene Regional Park Community Interest Company and Northamptonshire Enterprise Partnership.

Michel Kerrou (RNRP) was the chief moustache wearer and Crew Manager by default for team "Ave Marina", while former Cllr Trini Crake (NBC) banged a good tune on the drum to keep crew members in time. 

Muscle power was provided by Sarah Still, Chris Cavanagh, Julia Tinker, Mark Bannister, James Ogle, Darren Ridout, Michele Rhodius, AJ Gray, Martin Rous, Suzanne Isaac, Kam Chana and Iain Andrews.

Well done and see you next year

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