LEP Raft Race c. 1981

Photo courtesy of Stan Rudman

As well as working at Vernons Mill I was also the groundsman tending to the Cricket Ground, Bowling Greens and Golf Course. One evening a plan was hatched in the clubhouse bar (on a fag packet) to enter a raft in the above race. The ‘prototype’ was tried on the factory lodge and sunk without trace. A new strategy was required and a ‘Technological Miracle’ was born ! The new raft was constructed of :

1 ladder

12 barrels, 6 each side

Wire netting

4 chairs from canteen

The ‘marvel of engineering’ was conveyed by tractor and trailer to Tram Bridge for a trial run on the River Ribble. After travelling a few hundred yard the raft hit the river in full flow and panic stations set in as apparently none of the crew could actually swim ! Somehow the raft managed to reach the riverbank and a full compliment stepped ashore. The race itself started at Balderstone and because of the raft’s length it was in the same category as tow Oxford/Cambridge type crafts. The raft may not have won the race but won first prize for best raft. After the race, it was back to the Clubhouse for a few drinks and a slap up buffet. Great fun and great days at Vernon’s.

Stan Rudman, as told to Tony Billington.

Photos Birth Marriages and Deaths Theme for LEP Raft Race 1981

Bride Tony Beswick, Baby Ray Miller, Groom Paul Tuson, Death Peter Llewellyn.

From The Lostock Hall Magazine

Done