Scouts take to the Nadder to race the Donkey Derby in home-made rafts

THE SALISBURY & South Wilts District Scout Raft Races took place on 01 July at Salisbury Canoe Club in Newton Road, which is based on the River Nadder.

Scouts competed in timed runs over the 200 metre course in two age groups: School Years 6 and 7; and Years 8 and 9. The fastest two teams in each age group then raced each other in the finals.

Over one hundred scouts from nine local troops took part with 25 teams entered into the competition.

The scout troops represented were 3rd Salisbury Sea Scouts, Bourne Valley Idmiston, Bourne Valley Figsbury, 1st Amesbury, 4th Salisbury (Harnham), 23rd Salisbury, 10th Salisbury, 2nd Bulford and 1st Alderbury.

The scouts spent several weeks designing and building their rafts.

The Year 6 and 7 final was contested by the 3rd Salisbury and Bourne Valley Idmiston, with the 3rd Salisbury eventually winning. While, the Year 8 and 9 final was between 3rd Salisbury and Bourne Valley Idmiston, with Bourne Valley victorious.

The fastest time down the course was clocked at 2 minutes 28 seconds by the 3rd Salisbury 8&9 team.

The event also included a ‘Donkey Derby’ Race with all competitors on the water and a cardboard canoe race, which was contested by Bourne Valley Idmiston and Amesbury

Explorers – with City winning the race.

Many thanks go to Salisbury Canoe Club for hosting the races at short notice after the usual location at the River Avon at the Fisherton Recreation Ground was found to be clogged with weed.