Thursday 21 August 2014

Nithraid - All Hands on Deck!

Last year we were blown away by the response to Nithraid, and this year we have grabbed the opportunity to expand and grow the event for a second year, taking place on Saturday the 13th September. The Nithraid team has once again grown, to include musicians, rollerskaters, performers, and stall holders. There has been lots of work going on behind the scenes, but now that we come into the final stretch - the last four weeks before Nithraid - we would like to ask those interested in volunteering for the event to get in touch.

We plan to run in a similar manner to the Guid Nychburris event earlier in the summer, setting up a temporary 'workshop' in the week running up to Nithraid where there will be hands-on opportunities, preparing flags and pennants, dressing the ceremonial salty cow, and much else besides! 

On the day itself things we need help with are: joining the procession through the town, erecting marquees, general stewarding, helping around the marketplace on the Whitesands there are all sorts of things we would love a little extra help with. There will be a celebratory party held on the Saturday evening to which all volunteers, race go-ers, and crews will be invited. 

One wee special job we need a couple of cyclists for...this year we will be tracking the progress of the race for people waiting on the Whitesands. We need a couple of cyclists to be following progress a long the river and phoning in updates to the team on the Sands.

If you would like to help out please get in touch, we'd love to hear from you! Just send a quick email with your availability, even for an afternoon, before the 3rd of September to katie@thestove.org. 


Wednesday 13 August 2014

Nithraid 2014 - Get Your Applications in Now!

The Nithraid is a dangerous dinghy race, challenging up to fifty boats to sail from Carsethorn up the river Nith to the caul at the Whitesands in the centre of Dumfries. Competitors are required to navigate the sands, tides and three bridges - all without motors. 
Competitors from last years Nithraid mustered in Carsethorn before making the trip up river into the heart of Dumfries
The inaugral Nithraid took place last year with thirteen boats made the trip up the Caul - with first place being awarded to Piella, skippered by Adam Booth with a time of 2 hours and 6 minutes. 

This year's Nithraid is just five weeks away, taking place on Saturday 13th of September. If you are interested in taking part in this year's race please get you applications in now!

Full details on how to apply are available via the new Nithraid website here