See below an exciting opportunity to belittle other London workshops by beating them hands down in a raft race.
Or…
A fun project/challenge and day on the water with a bunch of fellow makers, with food and beer…
Are we on board?
Hello Fellow London Workshop Operators,
Who is up for making wonderful wacky water craft and getting wet this year? The date is set for August 5th.
I need a few ‘Aye aye Captain, count us in!’ or a ‘No Thanks Captain Keeno’ if you’ve considered it and can’t do it or don’t fancy it. Tom, perhaps you can circulate this around any other workshop groups around London and Mike, can you send around the Men’s Shed group to see interest?
The first Maker Raft Race was smashing fun, we had old folks and young folks making and racing rafts, designers and makers flopping about in the water in a desperate bid to finish the race, let alone win it, and a serene designer/maker riding his CNC routed punt, designed by his grandad! We had boats that were put together on site in 60 mins (and won the race!), and some taking weeks to make - with freshly hewn props and everything. The event was put on for a grand total of £250, so lets not worry too much about how we can afford it.
The Islington Boat Club (who have been fighting for survival against the never ending march of the property developers) are well up for hosting another community get-together this year. But we need to confirm minimum of 6 teams before I commit!!! I think the max number of entries is probably around 24.
The crafts could be made by the workshop founders / coordinators / makers in residence, your members, or the event could be used to reach out to a local school, scout group, men’s shed, fire brigade etc. to get them involved in the fun of designing and making and the enjoying the fruits of one’s labour. The first rule of boat club is that no marine parts or materials can be used… the second rule is to have a laugh.
Obviously we all like making things, and are super serious most of the time, but this is a lovely chance to make things just for shits and giggles and get together as a community, get wet, then have a sausage and drink some beer.
I am happy to organise again, but need a minimum commitment of teams. If we go ahead I’ll get a poster done for distribution, organise safety and marshalling, set out the rules, and most importantly the prize categories… The boat club has showers and changing rooms, space to put finishing touches to the craft, life jackets, safety boats, and tea. Plus they will offer free pedalos to use, canoe and kayaks to play in, and all manner of other jolly maritime fun. Fun for all the fam!
So, who’s in? Please reply “Aye aye Captain, count us in!” or “No thanks Captain Keeno”, so I can count you off the list.
Thanks for reading!
Captain Keeno
