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The challenge was launched at a press conference on Thursday.
Chasing a world record with six legs

Chasing a world record with six legs

The Rotary Club Marbella-Guadalmina has launched its Guinness World Record beetle drive challenge

Rachel Haynes

Monday, 15 October 2018, 13:57

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Breaking a world record and getting your name in the grand Guinness book is probably something on a lot of people's bucket lists. For a charitable organisation it is a great way of raising funds, drawing attention to a good cause and having fun all at the same time.

CHARITY BEETLE DRIVE

  • When. Saturday 20 October 5pm to 8pm. Doors open at 4pm.

  • Where. Palacio de Congresos, Marbella.

  • Tickets. 10 euros per person or 30 euros for four. Available from El Corte Inglés stores or online at El Corte Inglés or Eventbrite.

  • More information. www.rotaryclub-marbella-g.org

When members of Rotary Club Marbella-Guadalmina were trying to think of a record they could break without too much difficulty, one of the founder members Campbell Ferguson suggested a beetle drive, a game that sparks fond memories of childhood for some, and leaves others scratching their heads.

Even the most unlikely activities can be found inside the Guinness Book of Records and the Rotarians found that there was a world record involving this simple game that involves rolling dice and drawing beetles on a piece of paper. The record is for the number of people playing the game in the same place at the same time and this was set at 252, leaving the Marbella-Guadalmina Rotary's target at 256, as the game is played in groups of four.

"It seemed quite an easy record to beat," said event coordinator Lorraine Powell, although she admitted that the organisation has been "quite a challenge".

A simple game played by the whole family

  • The Rotary Club's beetle drive record attempt has brought back fond memories of family Christmases for numerous residents on the Costa del Sol. The simple game is played in groups of four who share the same die which they take in turns to roll. A six is needed to start the beetle off by drawing the head and from then on other numbers allow them to draw different parts of the insect. The first person to complete the body, eyes, legs, wings, feelers shouts "Beetle" bingo-style and the winners move to another table for the next round.

The event, taking place on Saturday 20 October, has been approved as an official Guinness record attempt and the numbers and play will be carefully monitored by stewards and certified by independent officials.

Over the last few weeks members of Rotary Club Marbella-Guadalmina, with the help of the international community and pupils from Aloha College and Laude schools, have been busy drumming up support and selling tickets. The club is asking participants to donate 10 euros each or for 30 euros to register a group of four.

The funds raised will go to the local AFA Alzheimer's organisation and other charities supported by the Rotary Club, some of which will be present on the day to inform people of their activities.

While the minimum number of participants needed to achieve the record is 256, the organisers hope that the total will be more like 500. The chosen venue, the Marbella congress centre, will have plenty of space, "even if a thousand people join in", said Lorraine.

The fundraising event, which has the support of Marbella town hall, will also include entertainment for children and adults. Music will be provided by the Andaluz choir among others and food and drink, including Guinness, will be served at The Hogan Stand. There will also be an art corner with art, sculptures, jewellery, and designers and free make-up and face painting for adults and children.

Shane O'Shea of Project Music and Nicole King of Marbella TV Now will be comperes for the afternoon.

"It's about getting the right number of people playing the game at the same time," Lorraine told SUR in English prior to the launch on Thursday. "We need everyone to come along and join in."

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