A big thank you to Ginny Farrell from the Dart Gig Club press office for sharing this heartwarming story.
Santa and his trusty Elf brought some sparkle and snowflakes to Dart Gig Club’s popular annual Christmas mash-up row when they flew into Dartmouth on Saturday. Dozens of club members swapped their early morning training rows for a series of fun sprint races aimed at helping Santa deliver his presents.
Photo credit: Dart Gig Club
Dressed in seasonal attire, the gig rowers raced each other from the Higher Ferry to the head of Old Mill Creek, where they met up with Santa’s little helpers and collected as many presents as possible before rowing as fast and as hard as they could back to the visitor’s DA pontoon to hand them over to Father Christmas (aka joint men’s captain Lance Worthington).
Photo credit: Dart Gig Club
The festivities continued afterwards at the club’s new gig shed in Coronation Park where rowers enjoyed warming mince pies and mulled wine, including non-alcoholic versions for the junior members. The seasonal event was hailed a huge success by organisers Carol Squire and Katharyn Ashworth. “It was a fantastic morning of fun racing followed by warming mince pies and mulled wine,” said Carol. “Our members coming together like this is what makes Dart Gig Club so special,” she added. “A huge thanks to all who helped make the mash-up a fantastic success.” Santa echoed Carol’s sentiments, hailing the Christmas bash “a fantastic effort by all.” Joint junior Captain Peta Chivers added: “Thanks very much Carol, Katharyn, Santa and Elf and all of the other helpers and contributors for making it such a success.”
As part of their annual tradition, the rowers brought along donations for the Dartmouth and District Food Bank to help those in need this Christmas. Food bank organiser Janet Kidson thanked the club, saying: “You have done it again for our clients. Words cannot express what we are feeling for the generous nature of this rowing community. Thank you just does not cover it.”
Photo credit: Dart Gig Club
The charity covers Dartmouth and local villages within a seven mile radius and operates from Townstal Community Hall, Davis Road every Friday from 11am to 12.45pm. For more information visit www.dartmouthanddistrictfoodbank.org.uk.
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