The race was founded in 1970, so 2000 should have been a special year. Unfortunately, the recent flooding made the river unsafe and out 28th race was cancelled. There had been over 100 entries, including those of thirteen young scullers from our friends in Nantes. Race day itself was cold and blustery; the river was still high, and one of the rafts at Saltford was still unuseable, still wrapped round a tree where the river had deposited it. At its height, the water had been five feet high in the Avon County boathouse, and one brand-new boat had been destroyed, still in its wrapper. The same flood had risen two feet into the Monkton boathouse - the first such flood since the great Summer flash flood of 1968. Years ago, the Head Race was managed on the day by a handful of people (and two or three of BSM's dogs). We have had to comply with far more stringent regulations inrecent race, and now a small army of people has to have arms twisted to help to organise and monitor the event. Many thanks to all the people who volunteer - amongst whom are Nigel Gould-Smith and Andy Griffiths, who sit in a cold launch all day; members of Avon County Boat Club who are our hosts, Godfrey Bishop, parents of current MCSBC members, Brian Mawer, our start timekeeper for the past 20 years at least, et al.

It happened that we had run out of coffee-mugs, which are used as prizes and had a new batch made for this year. Current readers may not be aware that these are available for purchase. We need to sell some, as we have not been able to cover their cost from entry fees for the race. Do buy some. They are always useful, either at home or as presents. We are grateful to Joe Short for dealing with the artwork for the mugs, and for his usual work on the cover of the Newsletter.