Call for volunteers to join the Newark Dragon Boat Festival team and be part of something amazing for Beaumond House and Childrens’ Bereavement Centre

Two charities are seeking volunteers to help support the fifth annual Dragon Boat Festival.

The Newark Dragon Boat Festival takes place on Sunday, September 15, from 10am to 5.30pm at Riverside Park — and needs around 100 volunteers to help the event run smoothly

2024 marks the fifth year of the joint annual event, organised in partnership between Beaumond House Hospice Care and The Children’s Bereavement Centre to raise vital funds for both charities.

Matt Colbourne, head of fundraising and communications at Beaumond House said: “It takes around 100 volunteers on the day to enable the Newark Dragon Boat Festival to go ahead and the event could not take place without their support.

“There are a variety of three-hour volunteer shifts available this year, covering a variety of roles such as riverside marshals who help prevent the general public from getting too close to the edge, crowd marshals guiding visitors around the site, activity stall attendants and many more.

“The race itself is incredibly popular and is now fully booked, and for the first time ever, 39 Dragon Boat teams will be taking to the water. Teams are made up of local businesses, community groups, and groups of friends.”

David Blackmore, who volunteers for both Beaumond House and The Children’s Bereavement Centres, added: “I have been a volunteer at community events for Beaumond House Hospice and the Children’s Bereavement Centre for several years, as volunteering at local fundraising events is not only a great way to meet new people, but it also allows you to contribute to two local charities who support so many families in our community.

“One of the roles I have really enjoyed is being a river marshal at the dragon boat festival. If you want a fantastic day out and can spare a few hours, please join us. You don’t need any experience, and you will enjoy the brilliant atmosphere first-hand by the water. See you there.”

To register as a volunteer visit the dragon boat festival website at www.newarkdragonboatfestival.co.uk/volunteer and fill out the short form.

The Children’s Bereavement Centre provides free one-on-one support to local children and young people who experience trauma due to the terminal illness or bereavement of someone they love.

Beaumond House provides free, professional, person-centred care to people in Newark and Sherwood who have a life-limiting condition with palliative care needs. Care can be delivered in a home from home setting at the hospice or in a person’s own home.