Vikings, Flintstones and tin men were among the contestants for Monmouth’s 55th annual raft race.

Organised by Monmouth Rotary, dozens of rafts were launched into the Wye last weekend from the steps of Monmouth Rowing Club.

Rotary Monmouth were fortunate to have chosen Sunday September 5 to run its annual race. The River Wye was not too low and provided perfect conditions for an easy voyage downriver for the rafts that took part. The weather was perfect, with mainly sunny skies.

A large crowd assembled to view the rafts prior to the start. The imaginative designs and different approaches taken by raft crews were on full display.

Hundreds of spectators crowded the Wye Bridge and adjoining banks to cheer the rafts on their way. There was a similar response at Redbrook, with a large crowd of

hundreds seeing in the entries from the riverbanks of Tump Farm.

The course took the crews six miles downriver to the finish at Whitebrook, where the Cullimore family had again kindly given permission to use their fields. The winning crews took a little over an hour to cover the distance, whilst others took a more leisurely approach. Nevertheless, most rafters had a good time and thoroughly enjoyed the event.

Tri Wall (raft 117) won the men’s 1st place in one hour 38 minutes, with Stonehouse Rotary (raft 108) claiming second place. Both awards sponsered by Siltbuster.

Women’s first place was claimed by the Farm Day’s Crew (raft 136) from Farm Day’s Nursery—who achived a time of one hour 39 minutes, with the HRC Wye Valley from Harrison Clark Rickerby claiming second — as well as sponsering both of the women’s awards.

The Ro Ro from Siltbusters (raft 152) and the From Town Rafters from Frome Town Rotary (raft 149) claimed the mixed crew first and second places, respectively.

The best placed club or pub entry was won by the HMS Usk from the Kings Head pub in Usk; the best place business entry was won by the Siltbusters Ro Ro, their second award; Frome Town Rotary also claimed their second award as the best placed rotary club team; the best private entry was toilet themed raft, the Thomas Crapper.

The team that raised the most in sponsorship’s was Wizard of Oz themed Henson’s Heroes (raft 139), who raised £2,100 and also manage to win the award for the most creatively themed raft.

A festival was set up at the finish including traditional stalls, burgers, a hog roast, bar, and live music, to entertain the rafters and spectators, whilst results were calculated.

Hundreds attended and enjoyed the festival, surrounded by the wonderful scenery of the Wye valley.

The proceeds of the raft race will be split between St David’s Hospice Care (75 per cent) and other charities supported by Rotary Monmouth (25 per cent).

*More pics in this week’s Beacon