insideKENT Magazine Issue 30 - September 2014 | Page 156
CHARITY
CAMEL AND PIG RACING DAY
AT HOLE PARK
Hole Park will be the setting for a colourful fundraising event on Sunday 7th
September 2014 when Camel and Pig Racing, plus Mongolian wrestling,
singing and dancing return to the park after a two-year break.
The Wild Camel Protection Foundation, a registered UK charity, is staging
the Camel Race Day which starts at 2pm. The event will help raise muchneeded funds for one of the world’s most endangered animals – the wild
double-humped camel newly recognised as a unique species and living in
one of the world’s most inhospitable arid regions of Mongolia and Western
China. The Mongolian Ambassador will be present in an official capacity
to open proceedings.
GREAT TALLY FOR CHARITY RALLY
Two Kent accountants have put their skills to good use, totting up more
than £2,500 for charity.
Simon Warne and Geert Struyven of national audit, tax and advisory firm
Crowe Clark Whitehill drove more than 2,000 miles in a V-reg Mazda 626
hatchback as part of the Parenta Trust’s Maidstone to Monaco annual
banger rally.
Following an appeal to local garages, the car was donated by accident
repair specialists Rusthall Coachworks, which meant an additional £350
was donated to the pair’s sponsorship total.
Before the convoy left Maidstone, The Parenta Trust announced that the
rally had already raised enough money to build a pre-school in Africa for
orphans and underprivileged children.
Corporate finance partner Geert Struyven said: “We are very proud to have
raised such a substantial amount and had a great time doing it. There was
a real sense of camaraderie amongst the drivers, especially on the overnight
stops at various camping sites.”
Lasting four days, the rally travelled through Kent, Belgium, Luxembourg,
Germany, Italy, Switzerland and then on to Monaco.
Tax partner Simon Warne added: “Although the Furka pass at 2,436m
proved too much for one car which had to turn back for England, our Mazda
was extremely reliable. My personal highlights were the St Bernards Pass
and the Route de Napoleon, two of the greatest drives in Europe.”
During the rally the participants were set daily tasks including taking a picture
of the car with all four wheels off the ground and bringing a snowman to
dinner.
“We were proud to display the coveted fluffy dice award after gathering
enough snow in the Alps to build a small snowman, but I think the highlight
of the trip was the fantastic views across Europe,” added Simon. “Our car
is now safely back in Kent and if anyone would like to take it off our hands,
the proceeds will go straight to The Parenta Trust.”
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As well as camel racing and Mongolian cultural activities, including Mongolian
wrestling and falconry, there will be the chance for visitors to take a ride
on the magnificent domestic double and single humped camels which will
be racing. Four heats of the “Mongolian Camel Stakes” will be run for prizes
using local jockeys and betting will be possible with full racing commentary.
There will also be a BBQ together with other side-shows and attractions
for visitors of all ages.
Admission: £10 per car and this includes free access to Hole Park Gardens
and entry into a prize draw.
For more information on the event contact John Hare at [email protected]
To find out more about the work of the Wild Camel Protection Foundation
please visit www.wildcamels.com, and for information about Hole Park
and its renowned gardens visit www.holepark.com