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.” 156 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