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Deepings Raft Race raises money for the town’s library, leisure centre campaign and Little Miracles




A river was awash with colour when 23 teams took part in a community raft race.

Hundreds of people lined the banks of the River Welland to cheer on the entrants to the Deepings Raft Race on Sunday afternoon.

This year’s theme of children’s television proved to be a popular choice with The Teletubbies, Smurfs, Flintstones and pirates all making an appearance.

The Teletubbies in action. Photo: Chris Lowndes
The Teletubbies in action. Photo: Chris Lowndes

The trophy for the best decorated float went to leaders from 2nd Stamford Scouts for their Winnie the Pool themed raft.

The event was split into six different categories with trophies awarded to each winner and medals for everyone who took part.

Garford Farm Machinery won the main race with a time of 13min 38sec, three minutes ahead of the second placed team. The Banana Splits won the fun race in 14min 42sec and the Surfing Smurfs took the ladies title in 19min 35sec.

Ahoy there!. Photo: Chris Lowndes
Ahoy there!. Photo: Chris Lowndes

L&S Carpets and Flooring won the business race in 25min 19sec while the Thirsty Giraffe was the only entrant in the pub category, crossing the finish line in 25min 29sec.

Five youth teams completed a shorter course with Children’s Team V winning in 11min 6sec.

Members of the raft race committee were delighted with the support they received, particularly as the future of the race had been in doubt when several committee members stepped down last year.

Spokesperson Michelle Urquhart said: “It was brilliant to be able to host the race again and to see so much support. Seeing the community come together like that makes it all worthwhile.

The Surfing Smurfs won the ladies race. Photo: Chris Lowndes
The Surfing Smurfs won the ladies race. Photo: Chris Lowndes

“The raft race is a huge part of Deeping and we couldn’t have done it without the support of our sponsors, volunteers and everyone who came out to support it.

“This year’s theme inspired so much creativity and imagination. It was a riot of colour.”

Hundreds of people lined the riverbank between Deeping St James and Market Deeping to watch the action alongside a variety of stalls, fairground rides and food vendors.

Proceeds from the event are still being counted but will be split between the Deepings Community Library, the Deepings Community Leisure Centre Project and the Little Miracles charity which supports children with additional needs.

Jake and the Neverland Pirates pass under the bridge. Photo: Chris Lowndes
Jake and the Neverland Pirates pass under the bridge. Photo: Chris Lowndes

Donations can still be made online at www.gofundme.com/f/deepings-raft-race-2024

Michelle said: “The committee would like to thank everyone for making it such a great day and we look forward to the event being bigger and better next year.”

Tyred and Exhausted. Photo: Chris Lowndes
Tyred and Exhausted. Photo: Chris Lowndes
Pirates from Deeping Tennis Club. Photo: Chris Lowndes
Pirates from Deeping Tennis Club. Photo: Chris Lowndes
Lancaster Scouts. Photo: Chris Lowndes
Lancaster Scouts. Photo: Chris Lowndes
Rafters with their Flintmobile. Photo: Chris Lowndes
Rafters with their Flintmobile. Photo: Chris Lowndes
Nintendo characters take a break. Photo: Chris Lowndes
Nintendo characters take a break. Photo: Chris Lowndes
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Photo: Chris Lowndes
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Photo: Chris Lowndes
Crowds watch from the bridge. Photo: Chris Lowndes
Crowds watch from the bridge. Photo: Chris Lowndes
Children's Team V opted for a pirate theme. Photo: Chris Lowndes
Children's Team V opted for a pirate theme. Photo: Chris Lowndes
The Teletubbies ahead of the race. Photo: Chris Lowndes
The Teletubbies ahead of the race. Photo: Chris Lowndes
ThunderRaft 4. Photo: Chris Lowndes
ThunderRaft 4. Photo: Chris Lowndes
Supporters were able to enjoy games, stalls and fairground rides as well as the races. Photo: Chris Lowndes
Supporters were able to enjoy games, stalls and fairground rides as well as the races. Photo: Chris Lowndes
The Bedrock Boys. Photo: Chris Lowndes
The Bedrock Boys. Photo: Chris Lowndes
The Flintmobile. Photo: Chris Lowndes
The Flintmobile. Photo: Chris Lowndes
The team from Garford Farm Machinery won the main race. Photo: Chris Lowndes
The team from Garford Farm Machinery won the main race. Photo: Chris Lowndes
The Banana Splits take a break. Photo: Chris Lowndes
The Banana Splits take a break. Photo: Chris Lowndes
People watched from bridges along the river. Photo: Chris Lowndes
People watched from bridges along the river. Photo: Chris Lowndes
Supporters cheer on the rafters. Photo: Chris Lowndes
Supporters cheer on the rafters. Photo: Chris Lowndes
A young rafter takes aim with a water pistol. Photo: Chris Lowndes
A young rafter takes aim with a water pistol. Photo: Chris Lowndes
The Banana Splits. Photo: Chris Lowndes
The Banana Splits. Photo: Chris Lowndes
Plenty of pirates took to the river. Photo: Chris Lowndes
Plenty of pirates took to the river. Photo: Chris Lowndes
Stamford Scouts won the best decorated trophy for their Winnie the Pooh themed raft. Photo: Chris Lowndes
Stamford Scouts won the best decorated trophy for their Winnie the Pooh themed raft. Photo: Chris Lowndes
Crowds lined the riverbank to watch the action. Photo: Chris Lowndes
Crowds lined the riverbank to watch the action. Photo: Chris Lowndes
The Teletubbies in action. Photo: Chris Lowndes
The Teletubbies in action. Photo: Chris Lowndes
A Mario themed raft makes its way along the river. Photo: Chris Lowndes
A Mario themed raft makes its way along the river. Photo: Chris Lowndes
Team Care-A-Lot entered the ladies race. Photo: Chris Lowndes
Team Care-A-Lot entered the ladies race. Photo: Chris Lowndes
The LHF Bros. Photo: Chris Lowndes
The LHF Bros. Photo: Chris Lowndes
Members of Deepings Rugby Club helped out in the river. Photo: Chris Lowndes
Members of Deepings Rugby Club helped out in the river. Photo: Chris Lowndes

What did you think of the event? Share your thoughts in the comments below.



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