Raft race gets Sheringham Carnival off to a spectacular start

The RNLI team get a hand carrying their craft to shore after Sheringham Carnival raft race. Picture: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

The event, which was organised by Lobster pub landlord Graham Deans, had to be brought forward an hour because of low tides but crowds still turned out in force to watch teams and individuals brave the waves in their home-made rafts.

Last year's winner John Rumsby took an early lead in his paddle steamer made from a surfboard, bicycle parts and old school chair, followed closely by Sheringham lifeboat helmsman Steve Banks and crew member Steve Price in their craft made from underground soil pipes.

Sheringham Primary School 'pirates' with their entry into Sheringham Carnival raft race. Picture: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

The two teams were neck and neck on the home stretch, but the RNLI pair proved no match for Mr Rumsby, who won with ease, completing a lap of honour to the delight of the crowd lining the promenade.

Third place went to the Windham Arms lego head crew, who also bagged the trophy for best dressed raft, with a team of staff from Ellie's seafront café winning wackiest raft for their 'Ellie's Ark' twin-hulled boat adorned with bunting and a seagull flagpole.

The Two Lifeboats Hotel team with their raft, which they named HMS Bridget in honour of landlady Bridget Sterry. Picture: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

Other teams included a group of pirates from Sheringham Primary School and staff from the town's Tesco store and the Two Lifeboats Hotel.

Carnival committee member Della McClean said the raft race had attracted a much bigger turnout of spectators than expected, particularly in the light of the time change.

The Windham Arms lego heads. Picture: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

'It was fantastic,' she added. 'It was a great start to the carnival and it has kicked it off in spectacular style.'

Carnival week opens next weekend with a Harley Davidson bike rally from midday on Saturday and crowning day on Sunday, which runs on the Leas from 11am and includes children's games, charity stalls, a Newfoundland dogs display, dance demonstrations and a Yak52 air display.

Sheringham Carnival raft race. Picture: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

The carnival prince and princess will be chosen on Friday, July 28, at a selection disco being held at Sheringham Community Centre from 2pm-4pm. Entrants should be aged 12 or under and either be a pupil at Sheringham Primary School or live within five miles of St Peter's Church.

For more information about carnival week events, visit www.sheringhamcarnival.com

Sheringham Carnival raft race winner John Rumsby with his one-man paddle steamer. Picture: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

Sheringham Carnival raft race. Picture: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

Sheringham Carnival raft race. Picture: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

An Ellie's Ark crew member gets set for Sheringham Carnival raft race. Picture: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

Sheringham Primary School teacher John Perrem, who took part in Sheringham Carnival raft race with a team of fellow staff members. Picture: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

Sheringham Carnival raft race. Picture: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

Sheringham Carnival raft race. Picture: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)