Dragon Boats - Marlow

June 12th 2005

On Sunday June 12th the good ship "Plumptious" was launched onto the unsuspecting rowing fraternity. The latest out-reach program of the Fairies saw a gallant, if unfit, crew take on all-comers at Marlow Regatta in the ancient Chinese sport of Dragon Boat Racing.

It was a superb day out for all involved and the Fairies were well-recieved by their fellow competitors. Their charm, pink shirts and wigs won the hearts of the other crews, winning the plucky bunch the coveted Best Dressed Team award. This prize was especially welcomed as it brought the pirate crew's only booty of the day - free beer.

The first surprise of the day was seeing the Fairy King Eek himself dressed for a day on the river, resplendant in blazer and boater. It wasn't long, though before he was turning heads and stomachs with his trademark tutu.

The crew were as follows:

• Eek the Weeble (Captain)
• Maureen or Cozy Powell (Drums and backing vocals)
• Star of the County Down
• Mr Dean
• Gagging4AGuinness
• Big Al
• Lord Langley
• Big Andy
• Reading Fatboy
• Mr Goz
• Griff

With the fantastic support of:

• Mulled Wine Marie
• Celtic Jazz (splitter !)
• Mrs Goz
• Kevin & Annette
• Elsie73 and evil offspring
• Mrs Gagging4AGuinness
• and many many more...

The racing "prowess" of the crew is perhaps best left unsaid. Perhaps the reader might be kind enough to imagine a valiant and courageous team cruelly pipped at the post by younger, fitter, luckier crews. The G.S. Plumptious came 4th, 3rd and 3rd in its 3 races (you can guess how many crews were in each race, and which heats we were drawn against all-female crews...).

Booty!

The legend of the Fairies continues. If you would like to join then it's easy, you can. Watch our activites page for details of the next jaunt and sign-up for fun, frolics and laughter on dry-land, in the air and on the high seas.

You can see the full set of pictures from the day here.