Three Men in a Boat – Norfolk Broads’ style
Three Wroxham Rotarians took to the Broads last August in a three-day, 110-mile rowing challenge, paying homage to Jerome K Jerome’s classic novel Three Men in a Boat and the recent TV series. Chris Jeckells, Managing Director of Jeckells the Sailmakers in Wroxham, Kelvin Dore, Executive Manager of Hawkins Countrywide Estate Agency in Wroxham and Blofield based builder Graham Varley plan to row under all the bridges of the Norfolk & Suffolk Broads, a total of 34 bridges and 122 miles – without stopping. Their adventure began at 12.30 on Friday 18th August 2006 at Pulls Ferry in Norwich, going to Beccles, through Breydon Water to Yarmouth at 1.30pm on Saturday. Then to Potter Heigham, Wayford Bridge and hopefully finishing at 11am on Sunday 20th August. A support vessel will accompany them throughout the journey, for moral support and for emergency help, should they need it and to collect sponsorship on route. Chris Jeckells who came up with the idea said; “As I am President of The Rotary Club of Wroxham Bure Valley I wanted to do something challenging and slightly foolish to raise money for charity. Since I was shot in the eye when I was 11 years old I have been in and out of Hospital on many occasions, both Kelvin and Grahams families have also had treatment in the eye department. We owe Mr David Broadway and the excellent staff at the Norwich Hospital more than gratitude. Jerome K Jerome’s story appealed to us and the idea was born which will enable us; our Rotary Club and the general public to give something back to those who have helped us. Although I am an experienced sailor, my long distance rowing skills leave a lot to be desired and I’m not sure Kelvin or Graham are much better! It will be interesting to see whether we can complete the course in the time planned. We estimate we can average about two to two and half miles an hour over the three days, which may not seem very fast, but is realistic, given our limited experience and our lack of fitness!!!.” The trio will be helped in their fitness training by Sprowston Manor Leisure Club who have offered them use of their gym and the expertise of a personal trainer, from now until the rowing challenge. Chris Jeckells added, “We hope to raise over £10000 through this event with half the proceeds going to the Eye Clinic at the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital. The other half is to go to local Rotary Charities. Many local businesses have already promised to support us, including The Hotel Wroxham, who is laying on a champagne reception when we finish – I think we’ll need it! There will also be lots of pubs on our route, so there will be plenty of opportunity for people to see us, cheer us on and put a few pounds in the charity bucket, of course!” Anyone who would like to sponsor or support the rowing challenge can contact Chris on 01603 782223 or email chris@jeckells.co.uk