Prospectus
Devizes to Westminster Canoe Marathon
Mad Scientist at The Downs School!
For proof that science teachers are mad look no further than The Downs School’s Peter Walker. He recently completed the Devizes to Westminster Canoe Marathon a second time!
Peter Walker and his crew mate Robin Tilbury completed the Devizes to Westminster Race in 23 hours 15 minutes, well inside their target time of 24 hours. They were supported by excellent land crew, including Mr Walker's three daughters, who followed them through the night to arrive at Westminster Bridge at 8:15 in the morning.
Their thanks goes out to members of staff, Kath Hodson and Andy Hartley who popped out to support them from the bank, and all those people who have pledged money in support of the PE Department in recognition of their extraordinary feat.
Their time placed them 49th out of 176 starters in the Senior Doubles Race, and 19th out of 58 in the Veteran K2 class.The Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race is a 125 mile non-stop international canoe marathon.
Peter was driven by a need to complete the race within 24 hours and to raise money to benefit The Downs School students and the wider school community. The money he raises through sponsorship will help fund an astro-turf all weather pitch which is needed to develop tennis, hockey, football, 5 aside and other sports at the school. It is part of a larger project that will include lighting, providing a future asset which will benefit the local community.
Please sponsor Peter Walker in his efforts by completing a few details and emailing them to the School Bursar.
The Telegraph included an article which gives an excellent insight into just how tough this event can be.
Mr Walker shares his passion for the water sports with students from the school, taking those who have shown an interest along to the Newbury and Pangbourne Adventure Dolphin Centres. Several students from Year 7 to the 6th Form now take part in regular training sessions.
Mr Walker’s racing kayak formed the principal prop in a recent assembly, titled “Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance”. The preparation for the “Kayaker’s Everest” saw Peter and his partner complete this year’s successful Waterside Series of races organised by Newbury Canoe Club. Their overall time of 15 hours, for the 88 miles and 110 locks that make up the four races, placed them fifth in their class of Veteran K2. This gave them the confidence that a time of 24 hour certainly looked achievable for the ‘DW. Peter says it was the support and offered pledges that kept him going.
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Below is a Peter and Robin shortly after arriving at the London Eye at around 8:00am on Easter Sunday.
