Fun and frolics at this year's Wells Moat Boat Race

By Laura Linham 29th Aug 2023

And they're off!
And they're off!

Intrepid teams took to the waters of the Bishop's Palace Moat on their homemade crafts on Monday (August 28) to battle it out in a series of races, to the delight of crowds of onlookers.

The City of Wells Lions Club organised the event with permission from the Bishop of Bath and Wells, and it was the 60th anniversary of the moat boat races first starting in the city.

The original idea of racing on the moat scame from a discussion between Simon and Peter Wright, the sons of John Wright, vicar of St Thomas' Church in Wells, and Bishop 'Henderson. The Wrights were members of the St Thomas Youth Fellowship, an active youth fellowship.

The following spring bank holiday, the first race took place on the moat at the Bishop's Palace, with 20 entries taking part - two of which sank at the start line. Three heats later, and it was the crew of the Z Boat won the trophy.

A spokesman for Lions said, talking about this year's event said: " A huge thank you to everyone both involved with and watching this special event. "

A big thanks to Craig Hooper for the below photographs:

     

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