oarsome memories challenge :

Calling all Kayakers to join the Oar-some Memories Flotilla

Thanks to Ben for this update on the Oar-some Memories challenge. Ed


This approx. five mile paddle from East Cowes, down the River Medina and into Newport is the last stage of the teams challenge to kayak around the Isle of Wight to raise awareness of, and funds for, local dementia services. To date the group have already raised over £7,000 to support those with dementia on the Island.

Anyone with a kayak or canoe is invited to take part, there is no age limit, but anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult on the water. Entry is £10 per kayaker – this includes a buffet and reception at The Bargemen’s Rest after the paddle to celebrate the end of the challenge.

The flotilla will be on the water for 8am, with an approx. arrival time into Newport of 11am. To join the Oar-some Memories Kayak Flotilla please visit and download the forms from the Age UK Isle of Wight website at www.ageukiw.org.uk or give their fundraising department a call on (01983) 525282.

Other Oar-some events this week
The Oar-some Memories Team set off on from the Island Harbour Fun Day on Saturday 13th September on the first leg of their challenge, and have now completed three stages, paddling round to Brook today and threading the Needles on their way past. They’re paddling all this week plus hosting awareness and fundraising events as they go. The full diary of upcoming events is:

The Oar-some Quiz at Thorness Bay
Monday 15th September
Venue: Thorness Bay Holiday Centre, Thorness Lane. Time: 8pm to 10pm

Join the team for the fun Oar-some Quiz! A great fun night with prizes to be won. Teams of up to 6 people – donation for entry.

The Oar-some Quiz at The Spyglass Inn
Tuesday 16th September
Venue: Spy Glass Inn, Ventnor. Time: 7.00pm to 8.30pm

Join the team for the Oar-some Quiz at The Spyglass Inn! A great fun night with prizes for the winning team. Teams of up to 6 people – donation for entry.

Come, talk and learn about local Dementia services
Wednesday 17th September
Venue: Bembridge Village Hall, High Street, Bembridge. Time: 9am to 4pm

An awareness raising day for Dementia services on the Isle of Wight. There will be representatives and information from Age UKIW, Alzheimer’s Society, Community Memory Groups, Alzheimer’s Cafes, Dementia Friendly Communities and the NHS Memory Service. Please come along from 9am to 4pm if you have any questions about Dementia for a confidential, informal chat and see what support here is available.

The Oar-some Memories Team land in Ryde
Thursday 18th September
Venue: Ryde Harbour / Marina. Time: 9am to 12pm midday

Welcome the Oar-some Memories Team into Ryde Harbour at the end of stage 6 of their challenge. There will be photos and a chance to talk to the team. Plus there will be representatives and information from different dementia services on the Island. Please come along if you have any questions about Dementia for a confidential, informal chat and see what support here is available.

Come, talk and learn about local Dementia services
Friday 19th September
Venue: Waitrose, East Cowes. Time: 10am to 4pm

An awareness raising day for Dementia services on the Isle of Wight. There will be representatives and information from Age UKIW, Community Memory Groups, Alzheimer’s Cafes, Dementia Friendly Communities and the NHS Memory Service. Please come along if you have any questions about Dementia for a confidential, informal chat and see what support here is available.

To keep fully up-to date with the challenge throughout the week please:

Follow Oar-some on Twitter: @wight_Oarsome
Like them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/oarsomememories
Or you can donate directly to the challenge at: www.bit.ly/Oar-some2014