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Raft race wows the crowd

By: KentOnline reporter multimediadesk@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 15:01, 10 August 2009

Updated: 16:08, 02 May 2019

Watch the oar-some action
on the creek.

The usually tranquil waters of Faversham Creek became the
battleground for 13 teams in the annual raft race on Sunday.

Thousands of people lined the banks of Front Brents to cheer on the
whacky racers whose homemade craft varied from the ingenious
to the ridiculous.

As is tradition, they also came under a a barrage of friendly fire
in the shape of eggs and flour hurled by spectators determined to
put them off their stroke.

mpu1

Town Mayor Cllr Ted Wilcox, who entered the race himself many years
ago, stayed safely on dry land and fired the starting gun at 3pm.
But the capers had already begun between rivals as soon as they
dragged their rafts into the water.

This year the event was hosted by the Albion Taverners where the
prize-giving took place later in the day. There was also a funfair
and numerous refreshment stalls.

Each team paid a £20 entry fee but were also encouraged to get
sponsorship and raise money for the Scrine Foundation for the
homeless which has been the event’s good cause since 2005.

Novelty trophies were awarded by the Mayor in a variety classes
including the open class, won by The Castaways; Ladies class, won
by Honey Dew Melons; Bath Tub class, won by Four Men in a Tub,
under-18s class won by Keith and the Novelty Class won by The
Football Coaches.

Raft race secretary, Lloyd Hobbard-Mitchell said: “It was a
glorious sunny day and we estimated there were around 3,500
spectators lining the banks which is the best turnout we have had
in recent years.

“Entries were also up and the whole event has been rejuvenated.

"It will be a while before we now how much we have raised but we
hope it will be a good sum for the homeless. Now we are looking
forward to making it even more successful next year.”

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