When: 25th March 2012
Where: On the River Thames at Days Lock, Little Wittenham, Oxfordshire
What is it?
As Winnie the Pooh fans will know, Pooh and his friends enjoyed a game of Pooh Sticks on the river as described in AA Milne’s much loved books. The World Pooh Sticks Championships started when a lock keeper noticed walkers recreating Pooh’s pastime on the River Thames. He hit on the idea that this would be an excellent way of raising money for his favourite charity, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.
The World Pooh Sticks Championships have become so well-known across the world that it has been known to attract up to 1,500 people and enjoy local, national and worldwide television coverage. The fame of Pooh Sticks is such that it has even been the subject of a University Challenge question and featured in films and television programmes.
On 25 March 2012, heats and finals will be held to determine the Individual World Champion and the Team World Champions. Once again it will be organised by the Rotary Club of Oxford Spires with help from the Rotary Club of Sinodun and other local Rotary and Rotaract clubs. Members of the village will provide teas and cakes outside the parish church, Sinodun Rotary Club will be firing up the bbq and there will be plenty of other activities as well as the main event of Pooh Sticks on both bridges across the Thames.
For those looking for a whole day of entertainment, the Earth Trust will also be open for its annual Lambing Weekend at Little Wittenham. These will take place over two weekends on 24 – 25 March and 31 March – 1 April, in partnership with Camilla and Roly who farm sheep at the Earth Trust Farm. As well as being able to visit the working lambing sheds, there will be plenty of fun-filled activities on offer, including tractor and trailer rides, hay bale climbing and children’s craft activities. This is a great chance to discover first-hand what it means to be a farmer and taste the produce that comes from the land.
The World Pooh Sticks Championships is a unique day out, suitable for all ages. Monies raised at the event go to the RNLI, Little Wittenham Church and charities supported by the Rotary Clubs of Oxford Spires and Sinodun so you can feel good about it too.
More info: www.pooh-sticks.com