Racing to success for Age UK Wyvern

Almost £1000 was raised for Age UK Wyvern at the Ross Regatta, after volunteers from the charity's shop and Ross Pride helped manage car parking for the event, which attracted hundreds of people.

The two-day regatta was attended by the Mayor of Ross, Councillor Linden Delves, who has chosen Age UK Wyvern as one of his charities of the year, and who gave out prizes to the winning teams. A series of races took part on the River Wye in the 150^th anniversary of the original regatta. The event is organised by the Ross Rowing Club and features teams from across the country.

It was a pleasure to support this event alongside the Mayor of Ross-on-Wye at Ross Rowing Club. We even sponsored the Masters F/G category - a 60+ age group.Well done to all those who got involved: Ross-on-Wye PRIDE, Evesham Rowing Club, Bristol Ariel Rowing Club, Rob Roy Boat Club, Bewdley Rowing Club and Dart Totnes Rowing Club.

Karel Bretveld from Age UK Wyvern commented, “We were delighted to support this very exciting event and would like to thank Ross Rowing Club for the chance to get involved. Volunteers from our charity shop on Gloucester Road, together with representatives from Ross Pride, gave up their time to direct cars in the car park and raised an impressive £942.49 in donations. We really appreciate their dedication and enthusiasm, and of course the continuing support of the mayor, which has raised funds to help older people in need”.

Councillor Linden Delves has worked with Age UK Wyvern over several projects to help older people in Ross.

Recently he supported the launch of a new digital café, run by the charity in Ross library, which helps people access online services on their phones, tablets or laptops. He’s now encouraging volunteers to come forward to help Age UK’s befriending scheme, which helps isolated older people by matching them with a befriender for a weekly chat or visit.