May 22, 2005
Weather fails to dampen spirits at River Parrett Festival

Funds poured in for the Burnham-On-Sea hovercraft during the 2005 River Parrett Festival held on Sunday May 22.

Visitors braved heavy rain to flock to the hovercraft group's stand besides Bridgwater Docks where they bought more than 300 of the distinctive orange Lelaina Rescue Appeal wristbands, raising more than £300.

The Burnham hovercraft crew also played a vital role in ensuring the safety of the event. Using their in-shore rescue boat, crewmembers patrolled the waters of the docks to ensure the crowds negotiated their way around wet slipways to visit boats and get to the waterfront stalls and shops.

"It's been an incredibly busy day, despite the stormy weather," said Mark Newman, press manager for BARB, the organisation that runs the hovercraft. "Hundreds of people have come to our stand today to hear about our work and support the group's fundraising drive."

A raffle was also held at the BARB stand with a further £50 being raised for the group. Winner Mandy Trunks from Bridgwater said she was "absolutely delighted" to have won.

RELATED LINKS:

Official Burnham Hovercraft Web site