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Webbo and Trento...aka Redgrave and Pinsent, will be attempting a feat even bigger than the Atlantic Crossing.....we will be circumnavigating Eel Pie Island in Twickenham....and not just once, but as many times as we can until our arms drop off. All in aid of HHCC Pheonix Fund, where the clubs pavilion was destroyed in an arson attack on 9/10/10.
Training has commenced in preparation for the event date on 14 September 2012 (weather, river current conditions permitting).
However, contrary to popular belief, we will not be going around 100 times. I think whoever started that rumour (Dave MacKinney) deserves to join us as a punishment.
To put the record straight, do not be misled by the pictures of certain gold medal winning Olympians. That couldn't be further from the truth. Trent and I are a couple of lumps in their early 40's, aiming to do something each year for charity. We marked turning 40 last year with the London to Brighton Bike Ride, and one year on its time to do something for the local community.
Now, to give you a sense of what it will actually be like, we will be borrowing a rowing boat from our friend, Doug, who lives on the Island. Doug has kindly loaned us his rowing skiff, and the two of us will be tightly squeezed side by side like a pair of sardines struggling to get round 10 times let alone 100!
To date training has been slow. The first outing was a solo effort by me, and it was made immediately obvious that Doug didn't have too much faith in me as he had me on a leash, worried that i'd be taken downstream to Richmond. This didn't inspire too much confidence, but in hindsight it was a good idea as i was all over the place. At one point the line went taught and i was catapulted onto the seat of my pants at the back of the boat. If anyone caught that on camera they would have been quids in with "You've been framed".
Our second outing (unleashed), took us round the island in a mediocre 40 minutes. It wasn't the best of days weatherwise, and the current was quite strong. This found us out as we attempted to round the turn against the current. Foolishly, we didnt give ourselves a wide enough berth, and thats when trouble ensued..... the current took us and before we knew it we were engulfed by a weeping willow, taking half the tree with us as we emerged out the other side..... another schoolboy error!
Next outing - strong current, and we only made it 100 yards before giving up. couldnt make any headway, as we were continuously being pushed back...not good, and bit demoralising!!
Better luck since as we have been blessed with calm river conditions. Laps have been clocked at 20-30 mins, which is encouraging...spirits raised!
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So please dig deep and donate now. Hampton Hill Cricket Club has strong ties with the local community, and everyone was devastated when over 100 years of history was taken away in an instant.
My 7 year old son, Thomas, plays for the club so i have witnessed first hand the dedication and committment thats been ongoing for the past couple of years.
Fundraising towards the rebuild of a new pavilion is ongoing, so it is important that we raise as much money as possible, and get the club back to where it belongs....which is a place where people of all ages within the community come together and have fun.
Thank you for donating.
Paul and Trent
