Just three days away from annual Crafty Craft race - will the sun shine?

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.
Since its inception, the Crafty Craft Race has raised more than £300,000 for local groups and charities.
Last year’s event brought in a record-breaking £7,500 through entry fees, donations, sponsorships and fairground profits.
This year’s winners will be presented with a glass trophy rather than the usual cup, so that they can take their prize home with them.
Community services officer of Newbury Round Table Marcus Franks said: “I would encourage everyone to get involved for fun this year.
“For anyone who has not been to a Crafty Craft race before, I urge them to come along.
“It has been described as Newbury’s biggest free event, and it is a great day out.
“We had a very successful event last year. The weather was great and we managed to raise a lot of money.
“We are hoping that this year will be even bigger and better.”
Mr Franks also advised all participants to take extra care this year owing to the high water levels caused by the recent floods.