The highlight of the day has to be the Raft Race.  In past years craft of all shapes and sizes have been painstakingly assembled from pretty much anything that looks like it may float, a unique convoy of such contraptions then descends upon Swinbrook strapped to roof-racks, towed behind tractors or simply manhandled from far and wide to get to the start at the bridge.  BANG! A volley from the carefully disguised 'Crow-Scarer' marks the start and each craft is guided downstream in a staggered yet somewhat hesitant fashion - at this point,  theory suddenly becomes practice and those with buoyancy issues are rapidly found out!  With spectators running  strolling along the bank after them, the rafts set upon their short but challenging voyage towards a most welcome finish at Asthall, through shallows, overhanging trees and of course the Weir! Though only around a foot high, crossing the weir involves a certain amount of navigation, skill and a good pair of soaked trousers to ensure valuable split-seconds aren't lost in the kafuffle! The sprint to the finish often finds competitors desperately paddling with anything that comes to hand just to try and grasp that extra propulsion needed to get ahead and to the finish for a podium win. After the obligatory mud-fight and careful docking of the now seasoned craft, competitors make their merry way back to the start for prizes, dry clothes and perhaps a little something to warm the cockles?  Well....that was 2005 & 2007 - let's hope that 2009 proves to be just as exciting.

N.B. -  details of prizes will be available on the day.

Please note that The Raft Race itself is open only  to residents of the Burford Benefice - Burford, Fulbrook, Swinbrook, Asthall, Asthall Leigh, Field Assarts, Worsham, Fordwells, Widford and all members of Swinbrook Cricket Club.
All other events and attractions are open to all!

This year's Theme is "The Movies" and the course will run from Swinbrook Bridge and finish adjacent to Asthall Manor.
    
To see a map of the course click here

To download an entry form & list of rules click here * or contact Robin Meech on 01993 824009 or email rmeech@robinmeech.com entries for the race should be with Robin preferably by Monday 22nd June 2009 or bring completed forms along on the day.

Click links below for details of the Day's Events

Hog Roast & BBQ  |   Bar & Refreshments   |   Egg Throwing   |   Duck Race   |   Treasure Hunt   |  Aunt Sally   |

Wellie Wanging   |   BBQ & Live Music   |  Safety   |  Parking   |   Proceeds & Sponsorship   |

Hog Roast & BBQ

Culinary delights available on the day will include a 'Hog Roast' , a BBQ with Burgers, Hot Dogs and all the trimmings plus a vegetarian option.  Bacon Baps  with Tea & Coffee will be available from 10:00 am for any early birds & organisers.  The aim is to cater for everyone but there is a limit so 'get-em-while-they're hot!'

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Bar & Refreshments

As well as a fully stocked Bar Tent there will be soft drinks, teas, cakes & scones available throughout the day.  Once again, limited numbers for the cakes and scones! When they're gone - they're gone!

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Egg Throwing

Often messy but a 'hoot' nevertheless, Egg Throwing is hilarious to watch and treacherous to partake of.  We are told that the eggs will be 'fairly' fresh...

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Duck Race

Prior to the Raft Race watch out for one or two of our friendly volunteers selling Ducks! Not real Ducks you understand, but a raffle ticket with a number corresponding to one of the plastic variety that will be launched upstream near Widford.  There will be generous prizes for  the owners of 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th placed ducks that successfully navigate the treacherous currents and pass Swinbrook bridge to the finish net. N.B. -  details of prizes will be available on the day.

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Treasure Hunt

This is very easy and nobody needs to get wet!  Pick a square on a treasure map throughout the day and once all squares are sold the winners will be announced and prizes awarded. N.B. -  details of prizes will be available on the day.

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Aunt Sally

As I understand exclusive to Oxfordshire, Aunt Sally provides a challenge for even the most coordinated competitor.  Easy really -  throw an 18 inch by 2 inch  "stick" 30 feet to knock a 6 inch "dolly" from a post - simplicity itself!  Challenge your friends and family or enter into a full 'knock-out' competition run throughout the day.                                                                    N.B. -  details of prizes will be available on the day.

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'Wellie Wanging'

Not sure I really need to explain this one...?  Rest assured - it's a lot of fun and once again, no one has to get wet!             N.B. -  details of prizes will be available on the day.

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The "Riverday BBQ and Live Music

This year, the aim is to extend the use of the riverside venue that was so popular in 2007, by holding the evening event there as well.  We now have three...yes three bands confirmed - "Midnight Drive", "The Stereo Asylum" and "The Bangalore Torpedos"!  They will be performing a set each throughout the evening and the night will be rounded off with a disco. The cost for the evenings entertainment,  will be a meagre £5.00 per person.
The fun starts at 7.30pm.  There will be a BBQ with the usual trimmings and hopefully ,with help from some SCC faithfuls, a number of sumptuous locally home-prepared puddings as well. Ladies - you know who you are - please contact us and pledge a contribution in this department just to make things extra special! Thanks in advance....

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Safety

Throughout the event there will be other organised games and events that will become apparent when you arrive.  We hope to ensure that there is genuinely something for everyone on the day but safety is our number one priority.  We have volunteers to oversee all these events and they will strive to maintain the safest environment possible, however we must ask that children be well supervised by parents or guardians throughout the day.

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Parking

Free parking will be available throughout the day in the field opposite Old Farm in Swinbrook.  Access to the car park will be clearly marked and there will be attendants available to guide you to a space. View Map

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Photos - Raft Race 2005/7