A DAY of dragon boat racing at the Coniston Hotel proved a great success when 17 teams came together to raise more than £20,000 for charity.

Organised by Skipton Rotary Club, it was an opportunity for each team to nominate a charity including the Alzheimer’s Society, Manorlands and Martin House hospices, Brain and Kidney Disease and Spinal Muscular Atrophy.

Skipton Building Society, Kingsway Vets, Thwaites Brewery, Airedale Hospital, Coniston Hotel, Dalec UK, Candelisa, Blue Water Holidays, Incommunities, the Marsden Building Society and Skipton Volkswagen all provided teams of 10 rowers and a drummer to beat the stroke over a 200 metre course across the lake in front of the hotel.

Some teams went dressed as Vikings, others as the character in ‘Where’s Wally’, some went as bananas but all were determined to give the races their best and enjoy themselves into the bargain.

Skipton Building Society entered three teams in the event, raising funds for the Alzheimer’s Society.

“It’s a fantastic charity and a very deserving cause which SBS is proud to support’, said Ivan Leroux, head of group insurance.

Kingsway Vets provided two teams, one drawn for the staff working with small animals and pets and the other dealing with larger farm animals.

“A number of family and friends of staff at the practice have been affected by alzheimer’s, so to support the charity just seemed a good idea and a lot of fun,” said John Stockton co-director at the practice. “There’s been total commitment from all our staff – I’m hugely proud of them.”

The day began with heats where each team raced three times. Once their times had been added together, the top nine winning teams went into the semi-finals. One of the team semi finalists was drawn from staff and customers at the Lister Arms, Malham and the Lion in Settle, both supported by Thwaites Brewery. “Many of us know someone or someone’s family who has been affected by alzheimer’s, a horrible condition towards the end of people’s lives. As well as a fantastic day at Coniston we are delighted to support this very worthwhile charity” said Rick Bailey, chief executive of Thwaites Brewery.

The final saw teams from the Coniston Hotel, Candelisa and Skipton Building Society going head to head. The team from Candelisa had proved to be formidable opponents with the fastest times throughout the day but the final gave a nail-biting finish with the team from the Coniston Hotel ‘The Coniston Swans’, just edging past at the post to win with a time of 49.47 seconds.

Mark Ludlam, president of Skipton Rotary Club, said: “Skipton Rotary Club is delighted to have provided this opportunity to highlight the work of local and national charities, including the Alzheimer’s Society. Thanks to all who took part including the Bannister family and all the Coniston Hotel for their support and assistance.”

The winning team won the dragon trophy and a crate of champagne with runners up all receiving goody bags containing wine and preserves, all donated by the Coniston Hotel.

Louise Bolton, director of The Coniston Hotel, country estate and spa, said it had been a pleasure working with the rotary club.

“It was a great opportunity to raise money for such a worthy cause in a superb location and fantastic facilities. Many of the team’s, present on the day, were regular local corporate guests who trust us with their reward, recognition and team building events. The day really couldn’t have gone better, the teams all had a brilliant time and we’re already looking forward to next year’s challenge.”

The title of ‘Loudest Drummer’ was awarded to James Hannigan from Skipton Volkswagen and the best dressed team was judged to be ‘Dragonfruits’ from the Airedale Hospital NHS Foundation Trust who all came dressed as bananas.

Best dressed individual went to Jenny Baines from ‘Incommunities’, Bradford’s largest social housing landlord.

“The day was fantastic and we would like to thank all those companies which entered teams, the individuals who rowed and all those who helped in sponsorship”, said Andrew Gold, member of organising committee for Skipton Rotary.

Skipton Rotary Club may consider looking at organising the event again next year, and would like to hear from anyone interested in taking part.