A fleet of homemade rafts wobbling their way down the River Wey, crews paddling furiously and the odd one tipping its passengers into the water to the delight of onlookers on the bank has long been one of the more gloriously chaotic sights of a Guildford summer. This year, sadly, the rafts will be staying on dry land, with one of the town’s best-loved charity events having been called off. After half a century of soggy fun and fundraising, it is a decision that will disappoint plenty of people, even if the reasons behind it are easy enough to understand in the circumstances.
Safety Concerns Cause Cancellation
The Guildford Lions charity raft race, which has run for 50 years, has been cancelled, primarily as a result of safety concerns. The race was due to take place on the fourth of July and is normally open to anyone who can build a raft capable of carrying its crew down the river.
Not Enough Volunteers
The ‘race’ is designed to raise money for local good causes and gives the town a thoroughly good day out in the process. According to the club, though, the main difficulty this year has been getting hold of enough volunteers, both on and off the water, to be able to deliver the event safely and in line with the relevant legislation.
Falling Entry Numbers
Falling entry numbers over the years haven’t exactly helped matters either, gradually making the considerable effort involved in putting the whole thing on increasingly hard to justify. It is not necessarily a permanent farewell, however, which will come as some comfort to those who look forward to the spectacle each year. A spokesperson for the Lions said that the club will try to get the race up and running again next year and would happily welcome interest from any other organisations willing to lend a hand in keeping the tradition afloat (pun intended).
Be Sure to Check Out Their Other Events
In the meantime, the Guildford Lions remain as busy as ever within the local community, having recently held a Classic Car Rally on the High Street, whilst the group’s biggest event of the year, the Fireworks Fiesta at Stoke Park, is still very much set to go ahead in November. Half a century of history doesn’t disappear overnight and there will be plenty hoping to see the rafts back out on the Wey before too long. Unfortunately, when people getting into water with crafts that could best be described as ‘hastily put together’ are involved in something, the safety that goes alongside it becomes of paramount importance.