IN PICTURES: Heybridge Basin holds first Regatta since pandemic began, complete with stalls, races and pillow fights
By Ben Shahrabi
18th Jul 2022 | Local News
Families from across the Maldon District enjoyed the Heybridge Basin Regatta last Saturday.
In the blazing sun, activities both onshore and in the River Blackwater included sailing races, blindfolded canoe and SUP (stand up paddle board) races, and a homemade raft race.
There was a Punch & Judy show, BBQ, children's crabbing competition and pillow fight over the lock.
The highlight towards the end of the day was the pillow fight over the lock. Two at a time, brave locals scrambled along a greased-up wooden pole across the lock, armed with a pillow.
When they got to the middle, fighters hit each other with their soggy pillows, until the loser fell into the lock. Crowds of onlookers chanted in support of who they wanted to win, and a few decided to take part themselves.
Marie Ellis, Chairperson of the Heybridge Basin Regatta Committee, told Nub News she was very pleased with the Regatta, speaking just shortly after sinking in the raft race.
She said: "It's been fantastic - really good.
"I think we were thwarted at the beginning, because of the burst water main. People were in a lot of traffic getting here, so it was a slow start.
"But it has come good, and there were a lot of crowds.
"Next year, I think we'll try to make it a bit bigger, and definitely better."
However, Marie admitted that not as many people had opted to take part in the water-based activities as the committee had hoped.
She said "What I would like for next year would be more uptake on the canoe and SUP racing. We had races, we've got trophies, but we literally had no entrants. It's such a shame.
"Hopefully we'll get more uptake next year, along with rowing races.
"I think it's just because we've had two years of COVID and nothing going on. This is the first year back, and I think it went really well."
On dry land, however, dozens of stalls held by local charities and craftspeople meant there was something on offer for everybody.
All the profits made at this year's event will be split three ways: installing defibrillators around the village, maintenance for St George's Church Hall, and a replacement for the pontoon which got destroyed in Storm Eunice. All the causes were chosen by the village, and Marie hopes they have raised lots of money for them. There were also collections for the RNLI.
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