QD stores team – named Quality Drenchers

East Anglian discount retailer QD – QualityDiscounts.com is looking forward to swapping great prices for paddles as one of the first teams to sign up for this year’s East Anglian Dragon Boat Festival.

Taking place on Saturday 31st August at Oulton Broad in Lowestoft, the Dragon Boat Festival will see more than 30 teams competing over a 200 metre race course, all hoping to paddle their 30 foot Chinese dragon boat to victory.

QD’s team – named Quality Drenchers – comprises staff from QD’s stores in Lowestoft and Beccles and the South View Cherry Lane Garden Centre in Fritton, as well as the Group’s head office. The team of 11, none of whom have any boat racing experience, are rising to the challenge to raise funds for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospice (EACH), which has been QD’s chosen charity for the past four years. QD has raised more than £101,000 to date towards EACH’s nook appeal.

Carla Riches, store manager of QD Lowestoft, said: “This is our first time taking part in the Dragon Boat Festival. As a local retailer, we’re keen to get involved with local community events such as this and we’re delighted to be able to raise funds for our chosen charity at the same time. None of our team have competed in an event like this before so all 11 of us are in the same boat, literally! It’s going to be a great day and we’re looking forward to putting our oar-some new paddling skills to the test.”



The original concept of QD’s quality discounted retailing was first established back in 1985 by the company’s CEO Nick Rubin’s father, and current Chairman, Danny Rubins. The aim was to offer customers a wide range of constantly changing, quality products at discounted prices, which led to the stores’ name QD – short for Quality Discounts.

The QD crew will be joined on the start line in August by teams from across the East Anglian region and even further afield. Local teams, Lovewell Blake and previous champions Netmatters have already signed up alongside four teams representing race sponsor, Warner Leisure Hotels which will be made up of staff from their resorts in Lowestoft, Newark and North Wales.

To take part in the dragon boat racing, no previous experience is required, just plenty of team spirit and enthusiasm! The dragon boats, qualified helms and all racing equipment are provided and each crew is guaranteed a minimum of three races. There will also be a variety of bankside entertainment to enjoy such as funfair rides, children’s activities and food stalls. 

For further information and an entry form, visit www.dragonboatfestivals.co.uk/eastanglia  or call Festival organisers Gable Events on 01780 470718. For information about Warner Leisure Hotels, visit www.warnerleisurehotels.co.uk or call 01442 863245.