Wivenhoe Regatta – community at it’s heart

Community Shines Bright at Wivenhoe Regatta: The Wivenhoe Wombles Lead the Way 

Amidst the lively atmosphere of the Wivenhoe Regatta on the 22nd of July, a group of dedicated individuals known as the Wombles of Wivenhoe brought their passion for a cleaner environment to the forefront. With Orinoco in toe, we joined these modern-day eco-heroes as they embarked on a litter-picking mission that perfectly encapsulated the spirit of community and environmental responsibility.

The regatta, a vibrant showcase of Wivenhoe’s bustling community, was a glorious collection of local culture and creativity. Stands and stalls overflowed with delectable food, drinks, and homemade treats, while talented local artists proudly displayed their creations. The rain that fell shortly after the event commenced couldn’t dampen the enthusiasm as visitors donned raincoats and ponchos, sat out in deckchairs and enjoyed picnics, embracing the festivities wholeheartedly.

Against this backdrop, the Wombles of Wivenhoe proved to be shining stars. Armed with our litter-pickers and determination, we all weaved our way  through the crowds, earning smiles, greetings, and heartfelt gratitude from all corners. Orinoco also did his bit  lending a paw to help keep the event extra clean…even if he did have to stop on a bench for a quick nap along the way!

Jolyon, the driving force behind the Wombles of Wivenhoe, embarked on this journey during the lockdown of 2020. What began as a simple daily activity of walking his dog Cosmo and picking up the litter that his four-legged friend would fetch when his trusty tennis ball was left at home soon blossomed into a full-fledged community movement. Jolyon’s commitment to a cleaner environment, combined with his outreach efforts through social media, ignited a sense of purpose among fellow residents and thus the Wombles of Wivenhoe was born, all starting with the original Wivenhoe Womble, Cosmo the dog. Jolyon now also sits proudly as one of our chairman for the Wombles Community Charity. 

The Wivenhoe Regatta truly served as a testament to the power of community unity. Through rain and shine, the  spirit of the Wombles of Wivenhoe and their impactful work was celebrated and embraced by all. With the Wombles leading the way, the message was clear: positive change begins at home, and it’s a collective effort that truly makes a difference.

Jolyon’s dedication, driven by his furry companion Cosmo, transformed the Wivenhoe landscape and ignited a sense of camaraderie that reached every corner of the community.

From humble beginnings to a community-wide movement, the Wombles of Wivenhoe are a shining example of how a simple act of picking up litter can evolve into a powerful force for good and this group of eco-activists continue to inspire and lead the way towards a cleaner, more sustainable future.

For more information, to join the movement or start a Wombles litter picking group for your area visit the Wombles Community Charity website and be part of the change.