After a year's absence the return of the Newlyn Raft Race was greeted with large crowds at the weekend. The event was traditionally a fun-filled and colourful highlight of the village calendar; however in 2005 it had to be called off because the organising Newlyn Harbour Lights Committee had too few members to run it.

But on Sunday the event was back and despite the 12-month break it seemed the competitive streak of locals was undiminished as 14 crews put to sea in two races.

Wearing fancy dress and navigating on homemade crafts the bold seafarers paddled out from the beach, before rounding two markers, and heading back to terra firma - all under the watchful eye of the Penlee lifeboat.

The first event of the day was the junior race for 11 to 16 year olds, which was won by The Fairies team of James Roberts, Josh Wallis and Scott Richard.

They finished just ahead of runners up the Boy Racers.

Twelve rafts then competed for honours in the adult race - which got off to a controversial start.

Racers were sent off a little earlier than advertised following the conclusion of the children's race, leaving one team high and dry.

But despite a late get away the traditionally strong team from the Dolphin Inn made it through the field to a creditable second place, ahead of the third placed Fisherman's Arms Army.

Overall winners were Penlee Lifeboat crewman Ben Keogh, Patch Harvey, Ollie Harvey, Spencer Robertson, Craig Neal and Ian Neal.

The first ladies home were the Meadery Maids and the award for best dressed team went to the Newlyn Legion Badgirls Army, who harbour lights committee member Kath Mildren joked, "weren't wearing much at all".

Kath, who has been a member of the Newlyn Harbour Lights Committee for around 10 years, added that the whole day had been excellent, and that she hoped more than £1,000 might have been raised.

During Sunday's event, the large crowd that assembled to watch the maritime antics unfold were also kept amused by stalls, a bouncy castle, a roundabout and a barbecue of the village green.

Kath said: "There was a good crowd of people along, and we had great support from locals this year. The money we raised will go towards getting the Christmas lights sorted out and making any repairs we need to."

And even though the August Bank Holiday is not yet upon us the nine-strong harbour lights committee are beginning to turn their attention to the task of decorating the town - and are appealing for all the help they can.

"We will begin working on the lights every Sunday morning from October onwards so there is a lot to do," said Kath.

"We always need new volunteers so anyone who can help should come and see us at the Newlyn Fish Festival this weekend or come to our shed next door to the lifeboat house at Newlyn on Sundays from October."

Article copyright THE CORNISHMAN

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