We are proud to provide a sustainable, affordable, clean and safe water supply and to manage and treat the waste water returned to us in a way that protects the environment.
18/04/2008
Water workers hope to raise thousands of pounds for a life-saving charity and provide a day of fun for all the family at the same time.
Essex & Suffolk Water, which supplies water to around 1.5 million people in the Essex area, is hosting a Family Fun Day in partnership with Essex Air Ambulance on Sunday, August 31, 2008 at Hanningfield Reservoir, from 10am-4pm. Entrance is free.
Following the success of last year’s 50th anniversary Fun Day which raised over £10,000 in donations for various Billericay Rotary Club charities, the event features a fun-packed programme of entertainment.
The day starts at 10am with a sponsored Dragon Boat Race on the reservoir, which is open to the public and will raise money for the Essex Air Ambulance service.
Dragon boat racing is one of the UK’s fastest growing water sports. With ancient Chinese origins, the race involves teams of paddlers in a decorated boat with a drummer, competing in timed heats down the course. There will also be a bouncy castle, storyteller, sideshows and food outlets by the reservoir.
Jacqueline Searle, Communications Advisor for Essex & Suffolk Water said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for families to spend a lovely summer's day by the reservoir, with free entertainment and the chance to make a difference by donating to a life-saving charity.”
Those attending the fun day will also be able to visit the Essex Wildlife Trust open day which is being held next to the reservoir.
Wendy Byland of Essex Air Ambulance said: “We are delighted to be offered this opportunity, we’ve had such a positive response and we’d love to hear from organisations and community groups who would like to enter a team or take up a corporate sponsorship. The Essex Air Ambulance receives no government or National Lottery funding and is totally reliant on donations to fly every day.
“The drums, shouting and colourful boats make Dragon Boat racing an exciting sport both to watch and to compete in. Organisations can use the race as a team-building exercise whilst raising much-needed money for a very worthwhile cause at the same time.”
The Essex Air Ambulance service, which was established as a charity in 1997 to provide a life-saving service for the people of Essex, has flown more than 9000 missions.
To enter a team or enquire about sponsorship for the Dragon Boat Race, contact Essex Air Ambulance on 0845 241 7690.
Hanningfield Reservoir, near Chelmsford provides an essential water source for 540,000 homes and businesses in Essex. It is home to some of the best reservoir trout fishing in the United Kingdom and is among the top places in the country to watch both woodland and wetland birds.
For further information contact Jacqueline Searle on 01245 212 010.