Posts under ‘News’

Hello Paddlers

TRAINING RESTART DATE   |   REGATTA DATE CHANGE   |   SUCCESS AT SAVA SPRINTS   |   ANOTHER NIGHT AT THE MOVIES   |   SHARE YOUR PHOTOS   |

1) TRAINING RESTART DATE

Training restarts at Kallang on Saturday 24th September 2011 at 3.30pm.

Please note there will be NO training on the weekend of 17/18th of September.  We will also not be able to use the Farrer Park Pool on Wednesday 21st September so training is also cancelled on that date.

So see you back – and well rested – on the 24th as we get into serious training mode to win more medals at Putrajaya and the Singapore River Regatta.

2) REGATTA DATE CHANGE

The 29th Singapore River Regatta (at Boat Quay) has been pushed back by one weekend.

It will now take place on the 26/27th of November 2011.

If you wish to take part you need to Re-Register immediately (even if you previously registered for the earlier date).

You can register online at: www.britishdragonboat.com/race-registration/

3) SUCCESS AT SAVA SPRINTS

Read all about it here!

4) ANOTHER NIGHT AT THE MOVIES

Tuesday 27th September is our second British Dragons Movie Night.

We have 40 FREE tickets to preview the new movie thriller, Colombiana.  You will get to see this film before anyone else and we’ll have our own reserved section in the cinema so we can all sit together (in case it has any scary bits).

Thanks to our friends at MVP Entertainment for hosting us.

Where:…..GV Vivocity – GVmax (yes the really big screen!)
When:…..Tuesday 27th September at 7PM (dinner / late supper afterwards for those who want to join)

Check out the trailer http://youtu.be/BwTO3i9C2TE

Register your attendance via: www.britishdragonboat.com/movies/

Registration closes midnight on Thursday 22nd September.

This event is open to all paddlers (friends are welcome too, but naturally team paddlers get priority)

The other thing to do (if you haven’t already) is go to the facebook page www.facebook.com/MVP.com.sg and click ‘Like’ to get movie updates and to stand a chance to win movie tickets.

5) SHARE YOUR PHOTOS

At race and social events it’s likely that if team members haven’t got a paddle in their hands then they are toting a camera!  So if you have photos from our recent adventures that you’d like to share with the team then please post them to our flickr group:

http://www.flickr.com/groups/britishdragons/

Enjoy your hiatus from training and I look forward to seeing you again in a boat on Saturday 24th September!

Best wishes,

Philip N. Morgan - Team Secretary
British Dragons - Singapore

Hello Paddlers

SAVA SPRINTS RACE GUIDE   |   TRIUMPH IN KOREA   |   TRAINING   |   FEELING FRAYED?

1) SAVA SPRINTS RACE GUIDE

Here is your complete guide to the upcoming SAVA Sprints International VII:

Date:…..Weekend of 10th and 11th September 2011
Reporting Time:…..Saturday at 08.00am (report to the British Dragons tent)
Location:…..Lower Seletar Reservoir
Map:….. www.nparks.gov.sg/cms/index.php?option=com_visitorsguide&task=parks&id=21&Itemid=73
Getting there:…..Khatib MRT on the North/South line (then a 15 minute walk to site or catch a bus from opposite the MRT)

Upon arrival please report to Mifie and pay your $50.  This covers race entries, personal registration and photo ID race tag, water and 100 Plus drinks on both days, lunch and beer on the Saturday and the team dinner at Red Dot (Dempsey) on the Sunday evening.

You will be given a photo ID tag which you will need to wear all weekend (if lost the organisers will charge you for a replacement).

All team members must be wearing a team racing shirt and team bandana (or cap) in order to race.  No other shirts or headwear are acceptable.  Remember that footwear is compulsory in the boats.  Please limit valuables to essentials for the weekend as our marquee will not be fully secure.

Times and line-ups for races are subject to constant change so always:

• Know which event you’re competing in (look at the posted team boat layouts);
• Stay close to the team marquee;
• Let the Committee know your whereabouts at all times when NOT close to the team marquee.

British Dragons Airways reminds all flyers that it tries very hard to accomodate their choice of route and timing and is well known for its very prompt arrival times.  However from time to time your preferred choice of row, or a window or aisle seat assignment may not be available.  You may also be wait-listed for a popular flight or once in a while you may not even get to fly at all.  Please bear with us and do not bang on the cockpit door or yell at the Captains until the flight has safely landed at the destination (in fact we would very much prefer that you just send in your complaint to our customer service department once you arrive back home…).

On British Dragons Airways the seats are cheap, you usually get a bit of legroom and – in the unlikely event that we crash or, er, rapidly lose altitude – please remember that every seat is on an emergency exit row and that you’ll be wearing your lifejacket at all times anyway so need have no concerns at all about flight safety…

Please eat well in the next few days.  Carb load the night before the race (pasta, rice, etc.), get plenty of protein and make sure you bring along your choice of Berocca, Hydration Salts, Energy Gels etc.  Also have a hearty breakfast before setting out so that you will be in good shape for the all-important first heats (if we fail to qualify in those then of course we will just sit empty- handed on the shore all weekend politely clapping the winning teams…)

Remember to bring sunblock and water along to the event and please make sure that you hydrate well before and during the weekend.

Sunday is our traditional “Pot Luck Lunch” so please plan to bring along nutritious food to share with your team mates.

Our Team Dinner will be held at RedDot (Dempsey) at 7.30pm on Sunday 11th September.  If you have not already placed your order online for your choice of meal then no meal will be provided for you and you will have to go “a la carte” (which I think is some fancy French way of saying that it’s quite a posh place and that you’ll probably need to bring your credit card along and pay up with that)

Please wear your drinking shirt and bring along your team membership card to the team dinner.

2) TRIUMPH IN KOREA

Read all about it here!

3) TRAINING

Training will take place on Wednesday 7th September at 7.00pm at Farrer Park Swimming Complex.  This will be land training so you do not need to bring your paddle.

To allow the team to rest after the recent heavy race schedule here will be NO TRAINING on the following dates:

Wednesday 14th September

Saturday 17th September

Sunday 18th September

Please look out for the next bulletin when we will remind you when training will recommence.

2) FEELING FRAYED?

If your Personal Flotation Device (PFD) is a bit frayed around the edges after your battles in Korea and its crumpled journeys in your luggage then Nicky has discovered that a stitch in time can save nine…

“Gill’s Tailor” at Golden Mile Complex, 2nd Floor (opposite the Thai Supermarket) can re-stitch your PFD.

Nicky reports that repairs to her PFD cost $10 and only took one day so there is still time before the SAVA Sprints if you are quick!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Mile_Complex

I look forward to seeing you all at land training tonight at Farrer Park and at the SAVA Sprints at Lower Seletar Reservoir this weekend.

Let’s try our hardest to bring back another clutch of medals to add to the shiny haul from our recent adventures in Korea!

Best wishes,

Philip N. Morgan - Team Secretary
British Dragons - Singapore

Hello Paddlers

TRAINING DATES   |   KIT FOR RACES   |   BEACH BBQ   |   PUTRAJAYA RACE REGISTRATION   |   SAVA SPRINTS RACE DINNER   |   REDDOT RECEIPT “CHOPPING”   |   SOCIAL DIARY DATES   |   HANDY ‘CUT-OUT-AND-KEEP-GUIDE’ TO SPONSOR BENEFITS

1) TRAINING DATES

Please note that due to our races in Korea and at the SAVA Sprints we will NOT be holding training on the following dates:

31st August 2011
3rd and 4th September 2011
10th and 11th September 2011

We will be holding Pool Training at 7.30pm at Farrer Park on Wednesday 7th Sepetember as usual.

For all the latest calendar dates for all training and social activities please refer to: www.britishdragonboat.com/calendar/

2) KIT FOR RACES

You are reminded that a racing shirt with team baseball cap and/or bandana is mandatory for our Korea and SAVA Sprints races.

If you need more kit take a look at: www.britishdragonboat.com/kit/ and then place your order at kit@britishdragonboat.com

If you act immediately Kenny will be able to deliver your order at training on 27th August.

If you are going to Korea you may wish to take along some spare or “retired” kit to swap with competing teams.  Please note that when flying into Korea you should wear your team drinking shirt and “Korea” team jacket (you may also wear the team pants if you wish).

3) BEACH BBQ

This is the last call for the Beach BBQ to be held after training on Saturday 27th August 2011.  You can pay your $10 BBQ fee to Mifie at training on Saturday.

If you wish to attend please register before midnight on Thursday 25th August at:

www.britishdragonboat.com/bbq-registration/

4) PUTRAJAYA RACE REGISTRATION

This is also the last chance to register for the Putrjaya (Malaysia) race weekend on 22nd and 23rd October 2011.

It is planned to depart by coach early on Friday 21st October and to have return coaches on the Sunday and Monday (so that those who wish to stay on for the Sunday night farewell party can do so).

Only members who have previously raced in Singapore will be eligible to compete in the Putrajaya races.  Registration will close at midnight on Saturday 27th August 2011. You can register online now at:

www.britishdragonboat.com/race-registration/

5) SAVA SPRINTS RACE DINNER

We will be holding our race dinner on Sunday 11th September 2011 at RedDot Dempsey.  If you are competing in the races then this dinner is included in your race fee.  If you are supporting (or would like to bring a guest) then the charge is $30.

Everyone attending (or bringing a guest) must register attendance online and select a choice of meal before midnight on Tuesday 6th September 2011. You can register your attendance and select your meal at:

www.britishdragonboat.com/dinner-registration/

If you do not register your attendance – and select a choice of meal – then it will be assumed that you cannot come to the race dinner and so NO MEAL will be cooked for you (to avoid food wastage).

6) REDDOT RECEIPT “CHOPPING”

Our Treasurer Mel reminds members that to enjoy your sponsor rebates at RedDot you need to follow a simple procedure:

1) Show your team membership card before ordering
2) Ensure that both the white and yellow receipts are “chopped” by your server when you pay
3) Pass your “chopped” customer receipt back to Mel

7) SOCIAL DIARY DATES

Thanks to our Social Secretaries who have now confirmed the following dates:

Saturday 29th October 2011…..Halloween Party at Andy’s (No training on Sunday 30th Oct)
Saturday 3rd December 2011…..Christmas Paddle
Saturday 10th December 2011…..Christmas Party (at RedDot Dempsey).

.8) HANDY ‘CUT-OUT-AND-KEEP-GUIDE’ TO SPONSOR BENEFITS

A much valued part of The British Dragon Boat team and its’ continued existence is due to our valued sponsors and their generous financial support.

Please help the team by being a patron of their shops, restaurants, bars and services.

All our valued sponsors can be found with direct links on our website but we thought it would be helpful to give everyone a breakdown of what each of them offers the team and its paddlers.

Cut here: <<<——————————————————————————————————————————————->>>

Philip N. Morgan - Team Secretary
British Dragons - Singapore

Hello Paddlers,

FREE NIGHT AT THE MOVIES | TEAM BBQ

1) FREE NIGHT AT THE MOVIES

Thursday 18th August is a very special day, not just because Paul our Captain turns 32 (again? Ed.), but because were going to the movies! Mark it down in your diary as the British Dragons 1st Movie Night.

We have 40, yes 40! FREE tickets to view the new epic movie, Conan The Barbarian, you get to see it before everyone else.

Thanks to our friends at MVP Entertainment for hosting us.

Where:…..GV Vivocity – GVmax (yes the really big screen!)
When:…..Thursday 18th August at 7PM (dinner / late supper afterwards for those that want to join)

Registration closes midnight on Tuesday 16th August. SOLD OUT

This is open to all paddlers (friends are welcome too, but naturally team paddlers get priority!)
There is nudity (hurray) and some bloody scenes too, so no kids I’m afraid.

The other thing to do is go to the facebook page www.facebook.com/MVP.com.sg and click ‘Like’ to get movie updates and to stand a chance to win movie tickets.

2) TEAM BBQ

We’ll be holding a Team BBQ after training on Saturday 27th August. Tickets are $10 (Please pay Pam or Amelia at training).

Please register at: http://www.britishdragonboat.com/bbq-registration/

Looking forward to seeing you at training on Saturday and Sunday,

Best wishes,

Philip N. Morgan – Team Secretary
British Dragons – Singapore

Hello Paddlers

SIBU WEEKEND   |   EVENT REPORTS   |   NEW SPONSORS CLIMB ABOARD   |   LOST PROPERTY   !   NEW KIT ORDERS

1) SIBU WEEKEND

Just a reminder that there will be NO TRAINING on the weekend of 30th and 31st July 2011 due to the annual  team retreat to Sibu Island.

Those of you who are going to Sibu will have already received full details.  Do not be late for the 6.30pm departure or our transport will have to reluctantly head north without you!

2) EVENT REPORTS

My thanks to Caroline for the following report:

The British Dragons make 800m look easy at the SDBA race weekend

An incredible two days of racing and some outstanding results for the British Dragonboat team at the SDBA Singapore Dragonboat Festival, 9-10 July 2011.  Fielding a slightly smaller team than usual, Saturday saw our two open 12 crew boats and our 18 crew mixed boat take on expat and local teams over the 800m course at Bedok Reservoir.

Competing first in the Inter Business Houses and Clubs event our mens 12 crew secured second place with a time of 4.30.24, qualifying for the semi finals where they shaved 5 seconds off their time to take third place, just missing out on a place in the Grand Final.  Our second mixed 12 crew also put in a fantastic performance, with a number of paddlers racing for the first time over this long distance course.

The International Business Community races in the afternoon saw our 18 crew mixed boat up against the German Dragons, Austcham Paddle Club and the Gaelic Dragons in our first heat.  A well fought battle with the German team from the start line to the finish saw us record an impressive time of 3.45.09, but sadly just miss out on qualifying for the semi finals.  Day one ended with a tough race and a tough lesson – lets take the disappointment, train harder and come back stronger and more determined than ever.

And with this lesson in mind, the ladies 12 crew arrived on Sunday morning ready to prove what they were capable of in the National Women’s Championship category.  Up against the strongest teams in Singapore, the British Ladies cruised through their first heat at a leisurely pace.  The semi finals proved more of a challenge, with the SPC ladies team taking first place from us by just 0.16 of a second! An impressive time of 4.53.39 was enough to qualify for the Grand Finals however, where the ladies managed to shave a total of 10 seconds off their time from the initial heat.  An incredible achievement which left the team full of anticipation for our trip to Korea in September, and looking forward to the challenge of the Sava Sprints later in the year.

The British Dragons lend a hand at the 2011 NECDC

Without a paddle in sight, the British Dragons gathered on Sunday 17^th July at Bedok reservoir to assist at the North East Dragonboat Championship 2011 race event.  Held in conjunction with CSF@North East, and with our coach Jason Chen taking the role of Chief Official, the British Dragons volunteered as time keepers, starters, boat marshalls, Emcee and DJ for the day. It proved a fantastic day of racing, with the race schdule including the first ever relay race category, which certainly put our starters’ skills to the test!  A great opportunity to see behind the scenes at a dragonboat event and spend time together as a team on dry land! Dinner afterwards with our new sponsors Smith’s Fish and Chips rounded off a very successful and enjoyable Sunday. Well done to all the organisers.

3) NEW SPONSORS CLIMB ABOARD

I am delighted to report that we have secured two new team sponsors:

You will already be familiar with “Freshly Baked by Le Bijoux” (based at 57 Killiney Road) as they have been very kindly providing the tasty gourmet sandwiches for our recent racing events.

www.freshlybaked.com.sg

“Smiths Authentic British Fish and Chips” (at 230 Tanjong Katong Road) are also a very popular meal choice with team members both for take-aways and dining-in.

www.smithsfishandchips.com

Please join me in welcoming our newest sponsors aboard, do check out their websites, grace them with your custom and don’t forget to mention that you are with the British Dragons next time you pay them a visit.

4) LOST PROPERTY

We have found a “Silver 3 Ring Russian Band” (I’ve no idea what that is but I don’t think it is a musical ensemble).  If you have lost it please let me know and I will arrange for an armoured vehicle to return it personally to you. Oh, and just a gentle reminder: Please don’t bring valuables or family heirlooms to training…

5) NEW KIT ORDERS

I am informed that pre-orders for the new team kit (Jackets, Pants, Bags) have now closed.  If you have missed out then you may be able to make a purchase from the spare stock when it arrives.  If you have placed an order then our International Secretary will have already emailed you with details of the cost.  Please pay Paul directly.

If you are going to Sibu then I look forward to catching up with you over a refreshing fruit cocktail at this idyllic island paradise!

Best wishes,

Philip N. Morgan - Team Secretary
British Dragons - Singapore