AS fund raisers go, they don’t get much better or wetter than this.

For the past several years, Stonehouse Rotary has supported the annual fund raising event organised by Monmouth Rotary Club, by entering a raft and team.

This popular event has grown year on year, culminating in this, its 49th year, with over 105 spectacular rafts taking part.

Paddling for six and a half miles down a beautiful stretch of the River Wye, scores of raft teams, many in fancy dress and from pubs, clubs, businesses and a variety of diverse groups, raise money through entry fees and sponsorship. St Davids Hospice Care and other good causes, benefit hugely from the money donated.

This year Stonehouse Rotary, one of only two Rotary Clubs to enter a team, built a newer, faster raft based on an earlier model designed and constructed some years ago by Stroud Rotary Club.

Following successful trials courtesy of Frampton Sailing Club, the crew set out to improve on their past year’s performances.

With an average age of 60 years, the crew managed to propel their raft to be number two to cross the finishing line.

However, as the race positions are judged by the transit time, we still achieved a remarkable 5th place out of the 105 rafts entered.

With a race time of one hour 29 minutes, it was our best time to-date by a considerable margin.

Next year will be the 50th annual event and promises to be even larger, with perhaps 150 craft taking part.

Stonehouse Rotary will be there and perhaps with a better training regime, will shave a bit more off our record for this year.