SIR,
There was a question in last week's Monmouthshire Beacon regarding the early days of Monmouth Raft Race.
I believe that I must be the person best qualified to answer that question.
At a meeting of Abergavenny Young Conservatives, some time in 1966, I suggested, somewhat tentatively, that we might organise a raft race.
The idea was well received and plans were soon under way. Where to start and finish were the first questions to be decided and it was resolved to start at Skenfrith and follow the Monnow to Monmouth.
When the appointed day arrived, fewer than ten rafts took part. The going was difficult, with rafts needing man handling over the shallow parts.
As a result, only two finished, with the second raft (including myself), finishing in darkness at nine o'clock at night!
The following year the course was changed to start at The Biblins, to the north of Monmouth, and subsequently down the Wye to Monmouth Boat House.
Later, the race was taken over by Monmouthshire Conservatives and the course changed to where it is now.
It is good to know that, from small beginnings, the Raft Race has helped to put Monmouth on the map and that funds raised for charity continue to do much good.
Adrian Francis
(Raglan)