Hundreds of people enjoyed all the fun and games of the water at
Driffield Navigation Gala fundraiser for the 250-year-old waterway.

Blessed with sunshine and fine weather visitors got involved in the many
activities as historic Riverhead came alive to the sound of music.

 From boat rides along the canal to Town Lock to live music, there was
entertainment on offer for the whole family at the event on Sunday, June
29.

One of the highlights of the day was the charity duck race, which saw
spectators cheering on their plastic ducks as they raced along the
navigation.

The three winners of the exciting race were:  1, Gavin Turnbull,
Sunderland, (duck number 476);  2, Alison Buckley, Driffield, (670); 3,
Margaret Sharp, Hutton Cranswick, (650).

  The gala was officially opened by Town Mayor, Councillor Fred Smith,
who later took a boat trip with The Mayoress along the navigation to
Town Lock

The gala was organised by the trust to raise funds for the ongoing
maintenance and restoration of the 11-mile waterway, as no statutory
financial support is give to the charity.

Mike Artley, chairman of the trust, said:  “We were blessed with good
weather, and had a great turnout of supporters who joined in the fun of
the event.

“The entertainers, Kenny J The One & Only Elvis, Charlene a Diana Ross
tribute act, and The Sonics Rock & Roll Band, had enthsiastic revellers
singing and dancing.

“Once again the duck race was popular, families enjoyed being out on the
water on the pedalos and boat trips, and the bar and barbeque both sold
out by the end of the day.

“It was a great day out for a lot of people in an historic setting, and
we are always very grateful for the support we receive for this annual
fundraiser.”

Mr Artley said the canal commissioners and their helpers put in a great
deal of hard work into make the event a success, and there was fantastic
camaraderie between them.

Boating enthusiast John Horton, from York, said it was their first visit
to the gala, and the trust was to be congratulated on organising a
lovely event with a difference.

“We hadn’t realised what a jewel Driffield Canal is in East Yorkshire’s
crown, and the trust deserves all the help it can get from the local
community and further afield in their efforts to keep it going for
future generation,” she added.

Driffield Navigation Trust is a registered chariry that relies on
fundraising and donations, and every penny made at the gala will be
spent on maintenance and improvements.