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The Raft Race - 1.00pm Inspection & 2.00pm Start
The
highlight of the day has to be the Raft Race. In past years
craft of all shapes and sizes have been painstakingly assembled from
pretty much anything that looks like it may float, a unique convoy
of such contraptions then descends upon Swinbrook strapped to
roof-racks, towed behind tractors or simply manhandled from far and
wide to get to the start at the bridge. BANG! A volley from
the carefully disguised 'Crow-Scarer' marks the start and each craft
is guided downstream in a staggered yet somewhat hesitant fashion -
at this point, theory suddenly becomes practice and those with
buoyancy issues are rapidly found out! With spectators
Please note that The Raft Race itself is open only to
residents of the Burford Benefice - Burford, Fulbrook, Swinbrook,
Asthall, Asthall Leigh, Field Assarts, Worsham, Fordwells, Widford
and all members of Swinbrook Cricket Club. This
year's Theme is
"Cartoon
and Animation"
and the
course will run from Swinbrook Bridge and finish adjacent to Asthall
Manor. Click links below for details of the Day's Events Hog Roast & BBQ | Bar & Refreshments | Egg Throwing | Duck Race | Treasure Hunt | Aunt Sally | Wellie Wanging | BBQ & Live Music | Safety | Parking | Culinary delights available on the day will include a 'Hog Roast' , a BBQ with Burgers, Hot Dogs and all the trimmings plus a vegetarian option. Bacon Baps with Tea & Coffee will be available from 10:00 am for any early birds & organisers. The aim is to cater for everyone but there is a limit so 'get-em-while-they're hot!' As well as a fully stocked Bar Tent there will be soft drinks, teas, cakes & scones available throughout the day. Once again, limited numbers for the cakes and scones! When they're gone - they're gone! Often messy but a 'hoot' nevertheless, Egg Throwing is hilarious to watch and treacherous to partake of. We are told that the eggs will be 'fairly' fresh... Prior to the Raft Race watch out for one or two of our friendly volunteers selling Ducks! Not real Ducks you understand, but a raffle ticket with a number corresponding to one of the plastic variety that will be launched upstream near Widford. There will be generous prizes for the owners of 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th placed ducks that successfully navigate the treacherous currents and pass Swinbrook bridge to the finish net. N.B. - details of prizes will be available on the day. This is very easy and nobody needs to get wet! Pick a square on a treasure map throughout the day and once all squares are sold the winners will be announced and prizes awarded. N.B. - details of prizes will be available on the day. As I
understand exclusive to Oxfordshire, Aunt Sally provides a challenge
for even the most coordinated competitor. Easy really -
throw an 18 inch by 2 inch "stick" 30 feet to knock a 6 inch
"dolly" from a post - simplicity itself! Challenge your
friends and family or enter into a full 'knock-out' competition run
throughout the day. Not
sure I really need to explain this one...? Rest assured - it's
a lot of fun and once again, no one has to get wet!
The "Riverday BBQ and Live Music This
year, we will continue to use the same venue for the evening events
as we did in 2009. We are still in the process of booking the
entertainment and will keep you posted on 'the line-up' as soon as
we have confirmation. The cost for the evenings entertainment,
will remain at a meagre
£5.00
per person. Throughout the event there will be other organised games and events that will become apparent when you arrive. We hope to ensure that there is genuinely something for everyone on the day but safety is our number one priority. We have volunteers to oversee all these events and they will strive to maintain the safest environment possible, however we must ask that children be well supervised by parents or guardians throughout the day. Free parking will be available throughout the day in the field opposite Old Farm in Swinbrook. Access to the car park will be clearly marked and there will be attendants available to guide you to a space. View Mapback This year we are supporting two charities; Helen and Douglas House and Springfield School.. Should you or your business wish to sponsor the event in any way by offering cash or prizes please contact us with details and we will respond rapidly with cap in hand. Sponsors will get a free link from this site with logo and as many fine words of gratitude as we can fit in a hopefully 'crowded' space! The event could not go ahead without the tireless support of the Swinbrook Cricket Club - Thanks Folks!!! back |
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Photos - Raft Race 2005/7 |
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