National Refuse Championships 2018 Draws A Big Crowd
From major vehicle manufacturers to local authorities and regional waste operators, all the big names from the waste management sector are getting behind this year’s National Refuse Championships (NRC) being held on 15 & 16 June at Weston-super-Mare beachfront.
The event, which raises money for The Alzheimer’s Society, is set to be bigger and better than last year with double the number of teams and the addition of an exhibition/networking day on Friday 15 June. There is also a full seminar programme covering issues such as Road Risk Reduction, Vehicle Safety, Bin Weighing and the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS).
Exhibitors include: vehicle manufacturers Dennis Eagle, DAF and NTM; national waste operators Biffa, Amey, Kier and Grundon; leading regional operators including Devon Contract Waste and Simply Waste; and local authorities such as Oxford City Council, Aylesbury Vale District Council, Aberdeenshire Council, and Swindon Borough Council.
Spencer Law, Founder of the NRC said: “We’re delighted with the response from the industry. The event is gathering such momentum, which is fantastic news especially as we want to raise as much as we can for The Alzheimer’s Society. We have a great range of seminars and a wide range of exhibitors. There is something for everyone whether they are a driver, loader, supervisor or senior manager.
“The races are very entertaining, free to watch and it’s a family friendly event with entertainment for the kids, and food & drink stalls. Everyone is welcome.”
Fun rides will be available on Saturday 16 June, with burgers, hot dogs and drinks available to buy. There is also grandstand seating with priority for exhibitors.
Laura Hewitt, Community Fundraiser for Alzheimer’s Society said: “We’re very grateful to the National Refuse Championships for choosing Alzheimer’s Society as their supported Charity for a second year running. Over 850,000 people are currently living with dementia with someone developing it every three minutes; this is why Alzheimer’s Society are calling on people to come together to urgently find a cure, improve care, and offer help and understanding. It is only with the generous support of events such as this one that we can continue to create lasting change for people affected by dementia.”
On the evening of Friday 15 June there is a pre-race fundraising reception with complimentary drinks sponsored by Dennis Eagle, a buffet, live music and featuring a raffle of prizes. The races are sponsored by Indelease, a contract hire, asset finance and fleet management company.
There are 32 teams, and 160 drivers and loaders (men and women), taking part in the races on Saturday 16 June. The races are taken very seriously, although there is also great camaraderie between the teams, and each team is accompanied by a support crew of work colleagues, family and friends. It’s a great team building exercise according to last year’s winners, Aylesbury Vale District Council:
David Clark, Transport Manager, Aylesbury Vale District Council (AVDC): “Since winning the event last year there has been so much positivity across the crews and council departments, which is fantastic. It has been great for team-building. Our female crew members are keen to show that they can beat the men.
For more information about the NRC visit www.nationalrefusechampionships.co.uk. The event starts on Friday 15 June with an exhibition and networking event, which includes key speakers and seminars followed by an evening of entertainment. The refuse vehicle team races run from 10am until 5pm on Saturday 16 June followed by a party with live music. There is no charge for spectators or visitors to the exhibition.
There are only a few places left for team entries so interested parties should contact the event organiser asap at tracy.standing@rvsl.co.uk or Tel: 07772 500 736. Tracy can also help with exhibitor and sponsorship enquiries.