copyright©paddlersforlife2007

Kind Words

We receive many Kind Words about our charity, here are just a few.

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The following poem was penned by Mr Gil Ritson after he had experienced the Dotting of the Eye ceremony.

His words capture the moments precisely.

LAKELAND DRAGONS

We all came to see,two new dragons be

Named fair on the 8th of June

Neither a fiery beast, from out of the east

But handsome craft to sail the spume

Each boat has a head, fiercely coloured

And at the stern a fine sweeping tail

A ceremonial Chinese fellow,in a voice mellow

Told how dragon boats first came to sail

How, in China’s past, an Emperor was cast

Into a great river and drowned

So the boats raced out, with many a shout

To save his poor body of renown

And to dissuade the fish, from eating this dish

Buckwheat was cast over the sides

So the legend began, from this unfortunate man

Who was caught in fate’s turbulent tides

But now in ’08, we can all celebrate

The naming of these proud new craft

And salute the crew, who sit two by two

With a drum at the fore and a sweep aft

On this glorious day, with Windermere in full array

The boats sailed off for their first “named” race

At the beat of the drum, our spirits did hum

And the paddles through the water did pace

‘Till the boats came abreast, and ready to test

Their legendary ability to fly

We paddled with a will, on and on and on until

The watchers from the shore gave a great cry

For the winners in red, but let it be said

We were all winners on this day we can treasure

Us “Paddlers for Life”, who despite all their strife

From life mean to extract their full measure

So here’s to us all, when we get the call

To greatness or sadness, whatever

We are the living proof, of that fundamental truth

Such as us will not ever say “never”

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Gil Ritson 2008

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Hello Ladies well done to all of you for getting Dragon boats of the ground and up and running (or paddling) it will be worth your hard work and determination as I'm sure it is a lifeline for many women and a source of comfort and hope and what a beautiful place to paddle!You are all inspirational.Love the logo. Christine( Louisas friend in Australia) All the very best to each of you .

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Well I can see what you have been up to since we connected in Singapore
....
I am delighted that you are well and "fighting" for the cause ......
I am incoming President of AIAB ..... starts in one week at the AGM
......
We are with you all the way .....
Do keep in touch .... especially if we can be of help ...
Sincerely,
Jean.

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Great web site ....
Love the logo ....
Jean Buckley, Vancouver

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