Trolley derby keeps community spirit rolling
FROM PAGE 24
After falling off the calendar of local community events a decade ago, the annual Herekino Bathurst Trolley Derby was rejuvenated by local community stalwarts, Grant and Tangi Davan, three years ago.
Taking on the role of ringleader on the day, Grant shows a true hardcase Herekino sense of humour by encouraging bystanders to sign up and have a go.
“Lovely legs,” he tells one lady, “They will have some gravel rash on them by the end of the day. You may even have to get some tattoos to hide the scars!”
She eventually decides against taking up the offer which, in retrospect, is hardly surprising.
The event kicked off just after 1pm with an actual shotgun start and ran for nearly two hours, while the crowd which gathered and grew steadily throughout the warm, hazy afternoon was well entertained by the trolley racers barrelling down Whangape Rd to the finish line outside the hotel.
Afterwards, everyone adjourned to the pub where organisers served up a big dinner of fish ’n chips for all the contestants and supporters after prizegiving. Every participant won something, with prizes ranging from toys to colouring-in books and pencils, to swimming pools and camping chairs, while all the children competitors were given a pot of honey.
Tangi Davan said the large turnout of both competitors and spectators was very pleasing, as the aim of the event is to bring the community together.
“We just need to continue doing this just to bring them in. We have to creating something for the kids so they don’t miss out. The adults [here] are all right, it’s the kids we’ve got to do things for.”