Crafty Craft highlight of today's events

IT'S Crafty Craft day!
With the weather forecast so far giving cause for optimism, the 29 entrants have been making their final preparations ahead of the big race next week.
The popular event will start at the Dundas Arms, Kintbury, at 8.30am on Bank Holiday Monday, and participants will sail their rafts along the Kennet and Avon Canal, to cross the finish line at Victoria Park, Newbury.
For spectators who want to join in the fun, entertainment will be provided at the park with amusements, carnival rides and refreshments available from 10.30am to 4.30pm.
Presentations to the winners will also be made in Victoria Park at 3.45pm on the day.
This year marks Crafty Craft’s 40th anniversary and the event will have a special ‘Brazilian Adventures’ theme as a nod to the hosts of this year’s World Cup.
Already two teams have taken the theme to a new level, with one imaginitively naming themselves ‘Brazilliant Berks-hire Youth’, while another will be race under the name of ‘The Boyes from Brazil’.
This year’s event will be dedicated to Crafty Craft founder Laurie Birch, who died earlier this month.
Mr Birch organised the first Crafty Craft Race when he was the chairman of Newbury Round Table in 1974, and was the official starter for the following 10 years.
He was also a member of Newbury 41 Club and a founder member of Thatcham Rotary Club.
Elsewhere, the popular Bradfield Mayfayre will be back with a host of activities to keep all ages entertained.
The event willbe held at the Village Hall Playing Fields,Bradfield Southend, from 12:30 p.m.
Entrance costs £2.50 for adults,50p for children or £6.00 for a Family.
After the official opening by the May Queen, the event will feature Maypole Dancing, pig racing,a performance from the Pinewood Gymnastics display team and the Goring Growlers Dog Agility display team a parade of cows and calfs and a grand raffle draw and wheelbarrow racing.
Visitors can also test their skills at the Plate Smashing, Coconut Shy or Tossing the Bale competition; sampling the WI teas and cakes, the excellent burgers from the Bar-B-Q or the Hog Roast.
May Day celebrations will also be taking place at St Mary's Church in Kintbury, with activities including Morris Dancing and the crowning of the May Queen/King.
There will also be pole dancing by the children of Kintbury St Mary's School and a feast of stalls, a BBQ, teas coffees and homemade cakes.