A raft of ideas for top floats (From Stroud News and Journal)

A raft of ideas for top floats

LANDLUBBERS and seafaring folk joined forces on Saturday to make Gloucestershire's Great Raft Regatta a rip roaring success.

The regatta, sponsored by Stroud & Swindon was organised by four rotary clubs, Stroud, Stonehouse, Severn Vale and Dursley to mark the centenary of the Rotary movement.

20 intrepid raft teams pitted their paddles against each other as they raced up and down the canal at Saul Junction to raise around £8,000 for The Willow Trust, Cotswold Care Hospice, Cotswold Canal Trust and other Rotary charities.

The Severn Area Rescue Association (SARA) provided two boats in case anyone took an unexpected dive into the water but they were thankfully not called to help.

During the day the Old Spot Theatre Company, dressed as pirates, entertained the canalside spectators.

There was also an impressive line up of vintage cars from local enthusiasts and plenty of coffee, doughnuts, ice-cream and real ale as well as a hog roast to keep out the biting wind throughout the event.

The second fastest raft of the day, the Stroud Flyer was powered by an all male team from Stroud Round Table.

Stroud Rotary Club collected the award for fastest senior crew, Stonehouse Rotary Club received the Spirit of the Regatta award for lending their raft to a number of other teams whose rafts did not pass the scrutineers.

The Rotary Club of Severn Vale was awarded a trophy for services to the Regatta for having been instrumental in organising and supporting the event.