Hatchers staff got dropped in the deep end when they took part in a stunt on Shrewsbury’s River Severn to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support. Crew member Martyn Ruscoe reports…
Thirty-six teams from a number of local businesses entered the Chronicle Coracle Challenge – which was a relay race from one bank of the River Severn to the other in an ancient form of boat that is really nothing more than a shallow leather bowl.
Working on the basis that if there is an opportunity for dressing up to be taken, it should be grasped with both hands (leaving none free for the paddle – which might explain something), the firm’s brave and foolhardy representatives put up two teams, with very different nautical personas.
THE HATCHERS CORACLES
The Black Pearl
Taking to the water dressed as pirates were:
Captain Jacinta ‘Jack Sparrow’ Walmsley (
Residential Property partner)
Adam ‘Long John’ Williams (
Wills & Estate Planning)
Martyn ‘Blackbeard’ Ruscoe (Trainee Solicitor)
Ben ‘Pugwash’ Powell (Head of IT)
HMS Victory
Representing The Royal Navy were:
Captain Andrew ‘Nelson’ Cross (
Commercial Property partner)
Fiona ‘Drake’ Barnes (
Wills & Estate Planning partner)
Margaret ‘Invincible’ Connarty (Secretary)
Valerie ‘Knightly’ Edwards (
Commercial Property partner)
Things began shakily with a mixed performance in the practice session. Both Ben and Val managed to capsize their coracles, Adam had to be rescued as his boat began floating off in the direction of Worcester, and I was towed ashore by marshals after being rendered immobile by the sight of Ben swimming menacingly towards me.
More encouragingly, Jacinta and Fiona revealed an aptitude for the wiggling and paddling motion required to propel the boats, and both Margaret Connarty and Andrew Cross also managed to keep themselves dry.
The races began well with the HMS Victory team fighting themselves into second position at the final changeover, with sterling performances by Fiona, Margaret and a turbo-charged Andrew Cross.
Things then went wrong in spectacular fashion as anchor leg Val tumbled into the river, reaching wildly up to Andrew stood on the bank, and managing to pull him in with her. Val recovered well, but could only manage a third place finish, which, sadly, was not enough to qualify for either of the finals.
In the second of the races, Jacinta began well, but was then let down by the hapless performance of her crew, each of whom managed to fall in the Severn. Needless to say, the team failed to qualify for the final, which was perhaps a blessing for all concerned!
In spite of the dunkings, a fine time was had by all, with spirits being considerably raised by the presence of a Pimms tent and glorious sunshine throughout the afternoon. In honour of Hatchers’ spirited efforts, the HMS Victory team won the highly coveted ‘most entertaining team’ prize, which was collected by the still soggy Val Edwards.
The event raised £15,000 in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, and the Hatchers teams contributed £600 from their sponsors.
