After eight years without the traditional centrepiece, the raft race down the River Windrush came back with a splash.
Part of Swinbrook and Asthall villages’ biennial celebration, it has not been featured since 2017 as the water has not been of bathing quality.
Although there were initial hopes this would be a brief hiatus, it was almost a decade until it did reappear last Saturday, June 14.
Multiple crews competed for victory (Image: Ed Nix) It was allowed to run as Henley Action Group and Windrush Against Sewage Pollution (WASP) had tested the proposed route, employing state-of-the-art analysing equipment to conduct the tests.
The equipment was the same the Paris Olympic committee used for the River Seine last year and together the campaign groups found that the readings for E.Coli and total coliform were well within World Health Organisation guidelines.
The river was tested using the same equipment Paris 2024 used (Image: Ed Nix) As such, on the River Windrush’s banks, several teams competed with winning crew McCraken and Sons taking home the trophy.
Angela Potts, co-organiser of the Rivers Day revival, said: “The River Day was a great success; we had a fantastic turn out to cheer on our rafters as they made their way down the Windrush.”
The Witney MP (pictured in green) fights to keep his raft afloat (Image: Ed Nix) The overall event was opened at Long Meadow in Swinbrook by Ash Smith of WASP, as well as Witney MP Charlie Maynard – who joined one of the rafts down the river – and local councillor Rosie Pearson.
Mr Smith said: “It was great to see people enjoying the river on Saturday, even in its damaged state, and it is so important that communities don't get frightened away from their rivers by sewage pollution.
Ash Smith speaks to the crowd (Image: Ed Nix) READ MORE: Oxfordshire raft race returns as Thames Water clears river
“Instead we need to make water company bosses frightened of polluting them and breaking the law.
“Ultimately, it will be people power that influences government, and Saturday was partly about saying this river belongs to all of us and we want it clean healthy and vibrant with life.”
There was also a barbeque at the event (Image: Ed Nix) As well as the raft race, there were classic car and dog shows, and a duck contest. Food and drinks were available from a barbeque and a bar and cake tent.
Speaking about the River Windrush, Ms Potts said: “In the lead-up to the event, we conducted rigorous water testing, and we're pleased to report that E. coli levels were within WHO guidelines for safe bathing.
“That said, we must remain vigilant, as conditions can change quickly. The river is looking clearer, and while there's still progress to be made, the trajectory is encouraging.”
All proceeds from the event were given to WASP and the Swinbrook Village Hall Restoration Project.
