Full steam ahead for this years' Crafty Craft

Although the recent snowy weather may have us thinking otherwise, May is just around the corner and this year’s Crafty Craft race is just three weeks away.
The event will kick-start at Kintbury Lock at 8:30am on bank holiday Monday, May 6, and participants will travel aboard their rafts along the Kennet and Avon Canal to cross the finish line in Victoria Park in Newbury.
For spectators or those just going along for fun, entertainment will be in abundance at Victoria Park, with amusements, carnival rides and refreshments available from 10:30am to 4:30pm.
The Newbury and District Round Table, which organises the event, is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year and will be celebrating in true force, setting ‘super 60’ as the theme for this years’ race.
Since the Crafty Craft race originated in 1974, it has raised more than £300,000 for local charities.
Last year’s event drew-in £2,500, despite the gloomy weather, through entry fees, donations, sponsorships and fairground profits.
Community services officer for the Newbury Round Table, Marcus Franks, said: “I would encourage everyone to get involved for fun on bank holiday Monday, May 6.
“By taking part in the race you will have great fun as a team and a chance to raise sponsorship for your chosen charity, as well as for Newbury Round Table who help local charities, groups and individuals in need throughout the year.
“As a sponsor you will raise your companies profile at what has been described as Newbury’s biggest free event.
“Or just come along on the day for a great day out watching the teams race down the canal and join in with the fun in Victoria Park.”
There is still time to enter a craft, sponsor the race or book a stall in Victoria Park. For more information or to book visit www.craftycraft.com or email jezspikins@hotmail.com.
Mr Franks concluded that entrants should be registered by Tuesday, April 30.