Fifty-eight crews battled it out for the honours of first place in the annual Monmouth Raft Race last Sunday (4th September)..Organised by Monmouth Rotary Club, it is hoped that around £15,000 for St David's Hospice Foundation Care and the Rotary Club of Monmouth who support good causes like the Air Ambulance and Macmillan nurses.First-timers Jarrolds Tyre Inflation technician gained a respectable 17th place, completing the six mile journey to Tump Farm, Whitebrook in two hours 28 minutes.The all female crew from the 1st Rifles won first place in the women's category with a time of 2hr59mins.Most sponsorship on the day award went to the Noah's Ark entry, from Neil Henson and crew.Safety for the crews has always been important and the Monmouth Canoe Club and SARA provided safety cover in case any raft got into trouble and St John Ambulance was standing by on the bank.More than 1,000 spectators looked on and were entertained and informed by David Evans' excellent commentary.

For full story see Beacon 07/09/11.