Tide of flower power at Needham Market Raft Race

A wave of flower power swept over the 16th annual Needham Market Raft Race.

Fourteen colourful rafts surged through the waters at Needham Lake for this year’s fun-filled competition, which had a ‘swinging 60s’ theme.

Each team raised funds for their own charities and the nautical creations included a Batmobile, Yellow Submarine and Stingray.

Julie Kett, team liaison for the Needham Market Raft Race, said: “It went extremely well and we were bowled over by the number of people who attended.

“The grand final was very competitive and it was a really great family fun day.”

The overall winner was a team from company Buildbase, in Stowmarket, which also received the Tracey Cadman Trophy for the fastest raft on the day.

Tracey Cadman was a co-founder of the raft race and passed away in 2010 aged 43 after battling cancer.

Her daughter Emma was part of PPG’s Bodge It and Scarper team, which won the wooden spoon prize, and her sister Debbie is chairman of the raft race.

The winner of the ‘Midlings’ race was Encore Wellness, in Needham Market, and Timber Wolf, in Stwomarket, scooped the Tickle Factor trophy.

For more pictures see Friday’s Bury Free Press newspaper.