All plain sailing at regatta
A SUCCESSFUL Woodbridge Regatta ended on a high note at the weekend when parachutists landed at the Sutton side of the river overlooking a packed promenade.
A SUCCESSFUL Woodbridge Regatta ended on a high note at the weekend when parachutists landed at the Sutton side of the river overlooking a packed promenade.
Thousands of people turned out in the blistering sunshine to enjoy the four-hour annual event with the Royal Artillery parachute display team producing a fitting finale.
The team of five provided a colourful spectacle as they lit flares and did display routines before descending close to the River Deben.
This was a new event organised by the Woodbridge Regatta Association who decided it was worth spending hundreds of pounds to lay on extra entertainment.
The weather was glorious for messing about in boats and the crowds could also cool down by taking trips on the river and enjoying a breeze.
There was one boat which stood out among the hundreds of craft on the river. This was the 44ft long Sae Wulfing, a half-size replica of the Anglo-Saxon longship which carried King Raedwald to his burial place at Sutton Hoo.
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The National Trust sponsored the boat's appearance and the boat will spend the rest of the summer at the exhibition centre.
Other attractions included a nostalgic display of historic vehicles in The Avenue at the Gateway Club fete. The regatta was officially opened by Mac Miles, Woodbridge mayor, and later he presented Ken Wilding with a cup to mark his loyal service to the regatta. Mr Wilding is the association president and he has been involved in every regatta since 1936.
Susan Annett, association chairman, said the regatta had been moved from August to July to catch a Sunday with a 4pm high tide. The date had clashed with numerous events in the region but she said the regatta had still been very successful and attracted thousands of people.
The association raised money for the Leiston branch of the Royal British Legion and the organisers received support from Woodbridge and District Lions Club.
