In answer to John Entwistle's letter 'Why was the race held' (Gazette, March 17), it was Kendal Judo Club who organised several raft races throughout the late 1970s early 1980s as part of the Kendal Gathering.
The Gathering was two weeks of carnival-type events organised and run by Kendalians, both outdoor and indoor, from band competitions at Abbot Hall Park run by Kendal Sea Cadets to our 'Big Push' river race.
The original race in 1979 involved teams of four people pushing a big beach ball from Netherfield Bridge up river, round Stramongate Bridge and finishing on Gooseholme.
Over two or three years this changed to home-made rafts as seen in the photograph, four pushing or pulling the raft with a passenger. There was no historical significance - it was just something organised by a local club such as Kendal Judo Club for the town's entertainment.
Also during the life of the Gathering the club also organised 'attacks' on Kendal Castle by the local Territorial Army, which also included a bonfire and firework display. Sadly health and safety rules and increasing costs put an end to such events.
Peter Holme
Chairman, Kendal Judo Club
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