Dragons race down river for regatta

4:50pm Saturday 6th September 2008

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THE sound of drums could be heard floating across the Thames this afternoon as Cookham's annual regatta got under way.

Oarsmen young and old took to the water in a range of craft to take part in the 60 or so races running throughout the day.

Those taking part in the dragon boat category had their paddling kept in time by the thud of a drummer, while competitors in canoe cats or dongola boats could be heard shouting out their rhythm.

Rain did not dampen visitors spirits as dozens of onlookers crowded onto the river bank to cheer on their team, while others enjoyed the activities on dry land.

Cookham resident Timmy Mallet entered two teams to this year's event and Station Road Residents Association also picked up their oars to take part in the fun.

Neil Newberg, and his son Samuel, 11, came from Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordhsire, to take part in the canoe cat races as part of team Where's The Fox At.

They were joined by mum Dorli, 38, and sister Annabel, nine.

Mr Newberg said: “It's a great day. We have had one race, we were the ones who didn't know how to steer! “It's good fun – you paddle like crazy and hope you go in a straight line.

“We have got another race coming up later and we've got two other crews so we'll watch them. We'll be back next year, we might win a race then.”

As well as the river races, some teams also took part in the Cookham Challenge, which combines five events on land and water.

The Challenge teams had to race a dragon boat and a canoe cat before whipping off their life jackets and taking part in a tug of war, volley ball game and a funny walk, where their feet are strapped to two pieces of wood, which they then have to walk in time together over the finish line.

The event, which raises thousands of pounds for charity, dates back to the 1800s and is organised by Cookham Bridge and Marlow Thames Rotary Clubs.

Jon Graystone, from Cookham Bridge Rotary Club, has helped run the event for seven years.

He said: “It's very much a fun day. There's quite a few regattas on the river, which are very formal. This is a small regatta where there's a big fun element.

“I think the Cookham Challenge within the overall regatta makes it special.”

The races were set to continue until around 6pm.