Regatta cancelled due to low entry numbers

ORGANISERS of the Hurley Regatta cancelled this year’s event due to low levels of race entries.

The family event began in 1973 and would have celebrated its 51st anniversary last Saturday. It takes place at the end of Mill Lane in Hurley and raises money for local charities.

This year, the event was going to support Alzheimer’s Dementia Support in Maidenhead.

Planned on-water events included the raft race, canoeing and a tug of war on giant paddle boards. On-land activities included face-painting, egg throwing and hay bale rolling.

Jay Dodson, who chairs the regatta, said there was a variety of reasons for the lack of entries including the water quality of the River Thames.

He said: “The Hurley Regatta is a unique event with a 50-year tradition, where residents and people who love our beautiful stretch of the river have fun ‘messing about in boats’.

“While we still include serious paddling events in canoes, dinghies and skiffs the highlights of the day also include raft racing, the team bathtub race and tug of war on giant paddle boards.

“The organisers have taken feedback from village supporters and previous entrants and there was a variety of reasons that had limited the entries this year.

“Among them was the perceived issues of water quality after the significant amount of recent publicity.”

The regatta, with the support of its major sponsor, was still able to donate a “significant sum” to Alzheimer’s Dementia Support this year.

Last year, 32 races took place at the regatta, which was held for the first time in four years, due to restrictions imposed by the covid pandemic.

The committee is keen to keep the regatta going and hear the views of residents.

Mr Dodson said: “The committee will work tirelessly over the next year to address the issues that they can influence and look forward to having a revival of former success next August.

“If we get no feedback, we will have to assume the village no longer wants the regatta to be part of the summer diary.” You can contact Mr Dodson at chairman@
hurleyregatta.co.uk