St George's Day in Pinner

25th April 2024

Karen and Bandana had lots of fun helping out at the Pinner Rotary St George's Day wheelbarrow race last Sunday. One of many slightly crazy events run by Rotary clubs across the country throughout the year. Karen is on a mission to introduce our club members to as many of these as possible!

Pinner Rotary recruited over 50 volunteers from their own club & friends as well as neighbouring Rotary, Lions, Rotaract and other clubs in the local area and across the Rotary in London district. 

Setting up gazebos and signs from early morning, to taking down the bunting at the end of the day, it was a long day. The main event started at midday with local scout groups renewing their vows, then we had music, singing, dancing and food. There were fairground rides, a traditional Punch & Judy show, charities, businesses - everyone was out for the day. 

Karen and Bandana were both on collection duty, with buckets and card readers, collecting for groups supported by Pinner Rotary, in particular Mind in Harrow and the Purple Community Fund that works mainly in the Philippines. For the main race both we were on stewarding duty - holding back the crowds to make way for the wheelbarrow competitors. We heard that it was the biggest field of competitors for many years - 21 pairs. And how did it work? Best to watch the video below!

Bandana asked Karen a very sensible question at the end of the day - "who was St George?". 

Karen's response? "Umm, not too sure! I'll check"

So here are a few lines from Wikipedia -

a soldier in the Roman army - the patron saint of England, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Ukraine, Malta, Ethiopia and other regions, cities and universities - died in the 3rd or 4th century - made a saint in the 5th century - and the story of St George slaying the dragon appeared centuries later. All clear!

Video clips and photos by Bandana (mostly) and Karen, editing by Bandana, music from CapCut.