Raft Race 2006
Press Release 27/07/06
Raft Race Organisers Promise Best Ever
The Annual Royal National Lifeboat Institution Blue Anchor To Minehead Raft Race takes place on Sunday August 6th with the organisers promising it will be the biggest and best yet.
The race now in its 27th year attracts entries from all over the United Kingdom all attempting to complete the 5 mile course from Blue Anchor Beach to Minehead.
In 2005 over £11,000 was raised for RNLI funds with many local businesses sponsoring the cost of the grand firework display.
This year Butlins have pledged a £1500 donation and allowed access to the holiday centre to collect donations. The holiday giant has also offered the services of its Red Coats to help raise money on the day. Many local businesses have also pledged financial support.
The event, the largest of its kind in the United Kingdom and is now firmly established as the largest event in West Somerset culminating in a grand firework display on the harbour at dusk.
The first rafts will leave Blue Anchor at 3.30 PM arriving at Minehead harbour at around 4.00 PM.
There are a host of activities planned to support this major event including a bar, BBQ and disco courtesy of Tony and Sue Phillips of the Old Ship Aground, Live Bands. The West Somerset Railway have arranged a special rail link from Minehead to Blue Anchor and back again at a specially subsidised rate of £2.50 for adults and £1.50 for children.
New for 2005 is Raft Race Radio, an exclusive radio station broadcasting on 87.7 FM throughout the day giving visitors and locals alike race information, interviews and music from 12.00 - midnight
Rafting teams range from the competitive rafters, traditional “barrel” rafts right through to fancy dress entries all raising money for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.
Race Organiser Derek Williams commented “ we are extremely grateful to Butlins for their donation and use of resource for this years race whilst not forgetting the many local businesses who have supported us year in year out. Without this financial support we would not be able to raise vital funds for the RNLI”. Mr Williams added “ every year we look at ways of improving the event and this year with the addition of Raft Race Radio on 87.7 FM we want to involve the whole region”
Some photos of this years race
(courtesy of Ross Hartgen, and Aron Cody-Boucher)
Ready Steady Go!
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