What’s going on?

This year, on Saturday 18th May, a group of Mums Of Peppard Primary School (MOPS) will be embarking on a gruelling 31Km Dragon Boat journey along the River Thames. Setting off from Goring and arriving exhausted nearly 20 miles later, in Henley to raise money for Peppard Primary School.

A dragon boat team consists of twenty paddlers sitting two abreast, a cox who will steers the boat from the rear and a drummer who sits at the front. Dragon Boating began in China some two thousand years ago and originates from the belief that the boat race would ensure a bountiful crop. MOPS are less worried about crops but are hoping for bountiful cash for the school instead.

Why is it happening?

As you are no doubt aware government funding for schools is extremely low and increasingly under review. Our wonderful primary school does amazing things for each and every one of our children and if we want that to continue the school needs our help. We are aiming to raise £5000 to fund much needed and highly beneficial learning resources to assist all of the children at the school.

Who is involved?

The team of paddlers will be made up of mums taking part in either the whole journey or swapping in and out of the boat for different stages. A support crew will be there to assist every paddle stroke of the way (in a motor boat lucky them) and there are many others helping to prepare behind the scenes to make this event possible.

This is not your everyday experience and it’s going be both physically and mentally tough on those taking part with multiple sore parts and lot of aching for a number of days after no doubt. This is certainly no light paddle down the river with a Pimms and ice cream on the go!

What do we need from you?

This is a significant challenge and the MOPS need some help from you all to achieve their goal.

Firstly - we obviously need to raise money to hit our target so please donate as much or as little as you feel able but please do donate something.

Secondly - there are four bridges and six locks along the route. It would be amazing to see these lined with support as the boat passes through so please rally the children, prompt the grandparents and wrestle dad away from the FA Cup final to come and lend your support on the day. Your cheers and encouragement may just be the the motivation we need to accomplish this spectacular journey and to help remind everyone why we are enduring this crazy adventure.

Lastly – if you are of any belief that you can influence the British weather please ensure that you arrange for it to be kind to us on the day. It will be a long and tiring journey with the sight of The Angel on the Bridge being a well-deserved welcome and celebratory drink at the end. Perhaps we’ll see you there too?

Thank you in advance for your support.

MOPS