The River Avon in Stratford upon Avon was awash with rafts on Sunday September 2nd as the re-scheduled charity raft race took to the water. The annual Raft Race organised by the Wellesbourne and District and Shakespeare Lions Clubs, now its in 30th year, saw nearly 50 teams clamber aboard boats built by their own fair hands and paddle the seven miles from Wasperton to Stratford, negotiating two weirs along the way.
The event was supposed to take place back in June but had to be re-scheduled after heavy downpours left river levels too high. Each year the event raises cash for charity and the weekend's race was raising money for the Jennifer Trust for Spinal Muscular Atrophy.
Organiser Paul Gibson said that the day was a great success, with the fastest team finishing in an hour and a half while others took up to six hours. "It was a super day, the weather was good and everybody thoroughly enjoyed it."
Allison Pratt, Community Fundraiser was on one of 2 rafts that entered on behalf of colleagues at the Jennifer Trust, her raft crossed the finish line in just over 4.5 hours. Allison commented, "I thoroughly enjoyed the race today, although I must admit when the finish line was in sight, I felt a huge sense of relief. Negotiating the 2 weirs was certainly very entertaining, the crowds on the river banks cheering us along were appreciated, the children with huge water pistols certainly kept us entertained, as did many of the rafts with their bucket splashing antics!!"
We hope that the event will raise in excess of £10,000. There will be a celebratory evening in Tiddington, near Stratford on November 24th when trophies for various teams will be presented.
The novelty sections saw rafts designed as a fire engine and the Cutty Sark!
Viewing the beautiful wildlife (whilst trying not to sink)...
Fun on the weirs:
