The first Sunday in July has for the last twenty-six years been the regular date when the Aquafest is held in Ely, sponsored, organised and run entirely by Ely Rotary Club. It is an event with stalls and sideshows, a fairground, and a central ring where a programme of events runs all day, including Soham Fenlander Majorettes, this year clowns Dizzy and Dazzy with their hilarious balancing ladder feats, and the Wicken Youth band, all perform to the crowds. But the big event of the day - and the reason for the Gala - comes at 3 o'clock when the raft race begins. This year, to go with the record crowds of an estimated 10 to 15,000 people, there was also a record number of rafts competing. Sixteen teams were timed away at intervals in batches of three (one four), to compete for prizes for the overall winner, a prize for the best home-built raft, and one for the most spectacular raft. There were plenty of thrills and spills, with several rafts sinking, and one being "carried" by its crew in the water and the raft above them! First home was a pedal-powered creation by Shearline Precision Engineering named Sheer Madness, which also brought them the prize for best home-made raft. Second place went to Little Thetford Social Club in a craft made from an agricultural spray cover, and third was Shear Terror, another craft made and entered by Shearline. The prize for the most spectacular craft went to Next Steps, a Cambridge-based charity for adults with learning difficulties. Ely's Mayor, Cllr. Philip Eden was greeted by our new President Robert Barnes, and officially opened the event. They travelled the river in a local pleasure boat during the race to observe at close hand. Our 1080 Assistant District Governor (west) Nigel Neville also attended, and no doubt enjoyed the day's proceedings. There's no doubt at all, a good day was had by all!

Puffins Playschool Takes to the Water

Puffins Playschool have commissioned the Pupil Referral Unit, both based at the Forum on Barton Road Ely, to build a raft to enter the raftrace at AQUAFEST 2003.

Plucky Committee members have volunteered to brave the water, along with other people supporting the playschool. The aim is to raise money by their daring, to purchase play equipment for their new outdoor playspace. Their craft is being custom-made by the young people who attend the PRU - and they are confident that they have a place on the medals podium! Puffins large and small will be cheering them on their way, as the playgroup's 50 children turn out in force. Watch out for the Puffins Playschool stall where games and activities will be aimed at 3-6 yr olds. Parents take note - on this stall you'll get a prize every time.

For more details contact: Heidi Welch Puffins Vice-Chairperson on 01353 614192

CUPS and PRIZE MONEY

• CAMBRIDGE EVENING NEWS TROPHY for the overall winner plus £50.00.
• WHITE HEART HOTEL TROPHY for the second overall winner plus £20.00.
• CUTTER INN TROPHY for the winning home built raft plus £50.00
• THE ROTARY CLUB OF ELY TROPHY for the most spectacular home built raft. Plus £50.00

Rules

1. Although the raft race is great fun it is obvious that safety is important any crew who break the rules or do anything to endanger themselves, other crews or the public will be disqualified.
2. Each raft shall have a crew of not more than four and must be propelled by muscle power only.
3. All crewmembers must be competent swimmers.
4. Life jackets or buoyancy aids must be worn at all times.
5. Crewmembers must not throw liquid or objects.
6. Rafts must not deliberately ram other rafts or unduly restrict their progress.

Entry

Each team shall elect a captain to take charge, sign the entry form and be the point of contact. Forms should be completed and returned to the address below with a cheque for £20.00(this fee is refundable on the day for crews that take part. Cheques should be made payable to

The Rotary Club of Ely, Raft race, Frog Cottage, 27 High Street, Sutton, Ely, Cambs, CB6 2RB

We look forward to you joining us again this year for another fun filled event for all the family