The New Mills, Marple and District Round Table Annual Raft Race took place on 15 June 2003 as scheduled. The weather was fantastic – blue sky and sunshine. We were supporting the Motor Neurone Association this year with all monies raised going to their local concerns.

They had set up various stalls including a ‘coconut shy’, bottle tombola, bran tub, cake stall, white elephant stall and last but not least, our specialty – ‘The Loo Game’, where contestants have to bounce a football into a toilet pan. If the ball lands in the pan they get a prize. Compstall Sailing Club ran boat trips around the lake, which proved to be very popular with the children. They also opened up their bar and had laid on a Hot Dog and Burger stand,

The public were, as ever, very supportive and turned out in force. Our regular DJ Cliff Lockwood pumped out the music and entertained the crowds with his running commentary and quick wit.

We ran 4 races; all comers, Round Table, juniors and the Junior Dinghy Race, a new and novel event. ‘Extreme Ironing’ was attempted during various races just to add something new to the event. (see Extreme ironing.com)

The All Comers section had 10 competitors with Compstall Post Office winning once again by a mile in their sleek polystyrene raft. We are going to noble this next year. They may have to tow something like a Robin reliant around the lake! Poynton RT won the Round Table race with Marple Round Table coming second. (There was only the 2 of us in it!)

The whole day was great success and raised almost £1200 all of which will be presented to The Motor Neurone Association.