Marlow (Bucks) Raft Race

[abucksdiver]

A few years ago, I was trying to get a team together to enter the Marlow Raft Race in aid of the RNLI... what with one thing and another, it never quite happened!

Seeing as the YD Charity for 2007 is the RNLI, what say we give it another go this year? I have just emailed the regional RNLI fundraising office for more details... will let you know how I get on.

(It could also be a good recruiting session, as a couple of local Sub-Aqua clubs provide the safety cover - High Wycombe BSAC, and I think an Amersham club...)

(For info, the race is along a stretch of the Thames above Marlow Weir, and usually takes place on the first or second Sunday in September...)

Andrew

[abucksdiver]

I have just recieved the following from my local RNLI area fundraisers...

Originally Posted by RNLI Area Fundraising Manager

Hi Andrew,
I understand that you have been in touch with our Regional Office regarding the above event.
Unfortunately, we will not be organising a Raft Race this year. We have found over the past few events that it is incredibly difficult to find people to take part, and there is a lot of organisation for very little financial return!
I joined the RNLI late last year and was tasked to look into whether the event can be resurrected and made into a more profitable race. As time was too tight to make any difference for this summer, I have decided to take the opportunity to develop the Race for 2008.
We have a local fundraising branch who are keen to organise an event next year and they would very much welcome ideas or assistance in doing this. Would you like me to put you in touch with them? Or would you prefer to wait until plans are a little more structured before committing?

So, this looks like a "no go" this year...

Andrew

[mark g]

same here, we used to have a raft race on the severn run by the local rotary club, i built a 12 seater raft for the girls of two local hairdressers shops to use, it took 2 weekends of scrounging and welding to construct and they usually needed my trailer to get it there.
they used to raise about £250-£300 every year, its been in use for 5 years, some hse bod has decided that they must all have insurance now, so an event that used to put around £25000 a year into local charities is now no more
this american style sue for everything bollocks is a social disease that we could certainly do without

[ratcliffe]

Do the RNLI have any other water based events on this year ? Perhaps we could offer services as voluntary safety divers, or help with in water setup, and provide general help that way as part of our year working for the RNLI ?