BAD WEATHER HITS MAJOR BRIGG SPORTING EVENT ON THE RIVER ANCHOLME

Competitors and spectators sheltering from the heavy rain at  Ancholme Rowing Club's boathouse.

Many people in Brigg were looking forward to watching the annual Ancholme Head rowing race on the Old River Ancholme yesterday (Sunday). We nipped down for half-an-hour either side of 11am, in driving rain, and found the main talking point, other than the weather, was whether the organisers would call things off. The rain having eased, we went back a couple of hours later just in time to observe boats being lifted from the water at Ancholme Rowing Club HQ, off Manley Gardens. The many rowing boats, stands and accompanying vehicles that had been parked in Bridge Street and the car park near Spring's Parade had virtually all gone by this time

On the plus side, Brigg received visitors from as far afield as Boston and Bradford - generating some trade for Dunham's Bakery in Bridge Street and local pubs.  

Rain lashing down at rowing club HQ beside the Old River Ancholme

Rain, rain, and more rain!

Rain is an occupational hazard for followers of this sport. Many came to Brigg yesterday with umbrellas carrying the names of various clubs.

Dunham's Bakery in Bridge Street, Brigg, was open for rowers and spectators in need of a sausage roll or pasty.

Keeping out of the rain in a temporary shelter rigged up in Bridge Street.

The only craft we managed to photograph in action  in Brigg yesterday was the motorised Millennium, seen here soon after passing under the County Bridge on its way down the River Ancholme towards Castlethorpe. BELOW - the scene at the boathouse early in the afternoon and (finally)  ducks which, by then, had the river all to themselves.