During the year of 1961 a group of divers looking for something to do in the winter months with a lack of winter diving decided to give a little back.
The group decided to set up an annual event in Matlock, Derbyshire on Boxing Day now known as Matlock boxing day raft event. The first year was a huge success with over 100 rafts taking part, divers from all over Yorkshire and Derbyshire took part and made the event possible.
A spokesperson for the Matlock raft event said: “It is organised by the Derbyshire Association of Sub Aqua Clubs (DASAC) the event raises funds for the RNLI and over the past years has raised on average 2,900 pounds a year and approximately £154,000 or more over all 54 years the event has taken place. In order to support our life boats also helping to buy two lifeboats around the country, in 2015 we won a plaque from the RNLI in commemoration of our efforts. If collected funds are sufficient enough, money is also sent to the Hyperbaric chamber, which is another life saver should divers need their assistance.”
The event is held every year on boxing day with rafts from all over the country turning up to take part and help raise funds as well as plenty of spectators looking for a fun day out and giving back to the RNLI that are always on hand should they be needed not only for water sport enthusiast but the wider communities that could get into distress in our vast oceans. Starting at 10:15am rafts enter the cold River Derwent starting at Matlock, Spectators line the streets to watch rafters hurry down the river, over the weir and finally finish at Cromford meadows.
This year’s event has already been cancelled but relive the madness and mayhem in these pictures going back to 1997.
Want more Peak District retro? Tucking into Bakewell Puddings over the years
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1. On the water
Which faces can you spot taking part in the 1997 Boxing day charity raft race from Matlock to Cromford Meadows on the River Derwent Photo: CHRIS LAWTON
2. Hardy competitors
Some of the hardy competitors in the annual Boxing day charity raft race from Matlock to Cromford Meadows on the River Derwent in 1997 Photo: CHRIS LAWTON
3. Staying afloat
Hardy competitors nearing the end the annual Boxing day charity raft race some without rafts back in 1997 Photo: CHRIS LAWTON
4. From tracks to the river
Thomas the Tank engine raft taking on the 1997 raft race Photo: CHRIS LAWTON