By Kelly Eve

Last updated at 13:41, Tuesday, 22 September 2009

The return of a raft race after an absence of more than 20 years has made a splash among scores of north Cumbrian scout troops.

The 2nd Carlisle Houghton group

Heads of the scouting movement’s Reivers District, which covers Carlisle and the surrounding towns and villages, decided earlier this year to resurrect the organisation’s former annual raft race.

The challenge was for Beaver, Cub and Scout groups to build their own vessel out of basic materials including plastic drums, wood, rope and gaffer tape.

They took them to the water for the real test, racing on Talkin Tarn on Saturday.

The persistent and heavy drizzle didn’t put off the youngsters as they paddled through a series of courses, which varied depending on the age group taking part. Around 20 teams took part.

The first race for the Beaver groups was won by the team from Bewcastle.

The Cubs race was won by four boys from the 2nd Carlisle Houghton troop – six-year-old Lewis Emmerson, 11-year-old Harvey Thompson and Nathan Sellers and Keiran Linnett, who are both 10.

Nathan said: “It was really good fun. We used barrels and wood and we practiced building our raft during Cubs the night before in the church.”

The team was watched by eager parents and group members, including pack leader David Sheard.

Reivers District commissioner Don McCutcheon also attended Saturday’s event.

Assistant district commissioner Miriam Crawley said: “We used to have this event years ago and we were looking for something different to do this year when someone mentioned bringing the raft race back.

“We sent letters out to all groups in May and we’ve been supported by members of Talkin Tarn’s sailing and rowing clubs. It’s been a really good response.

“They were all given a brief outline of what was expected of them. They had to find all the equipment themselves and build the rafts. We didn’t want them to have too much help from the adults and their groups so they’ve been finished at the event today.”

Winners were presented with medals and trophies.

First published at 11:30, Tuesday, 22 September 2009
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk