Matlock Raft Event - Dasac

03/10/2024

We want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to Stephen Eyre, who has been a central figure and chairman of the Matlock Raft Event Committee for many years. This year will be the first Raft Event in a long time without his involvement.

Stephen’s leadership and dedication have been instrumental in shaping the event and raising significant funds for the RNLI. Earlier this year, the RNLI presented Stephen with a certificate to honour his tireless efforts and longstanding contributions.

Thank you, Stephen, for your many years of service and for helping to make the Raft Event what it is today. Your impact will continue to be felt for years to come, and we are grateful for everything you’ve done for the event and the community.

01/10/2024

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Ian Ryde, a dedicated and much-loved member of the Matlock Raft Event committee and community.

Ian contributed greatly to our event behind the scenes, helping to create our website and run our social media, generously offering his time and enthusiasm to support the event he loved. Ian was a lifelong supporter of our event since he first spectated in 1984. Over the years, he was a familiar face participating in the event as a competitor, and in the crowd as a spectator.

His kindness, commitment, and passion will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Our thoughts are with Ian’s family and friends during this difficult time.

25/12/2023

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

24/12/2023

🚨 Event Cancellation Announcement: 2023 Raft Event 🚨

Dear Participants, Supporters, and Sponsors,

It's with a heavy heart that we must announce the cancellation of the 2023 Raft Event. This decision, though difficult, is made with the safety and well-being of everyone involved as our foremost concern.

🌊 River Conditions Update: The river is forecasted to reach critical levels, peaking at around 2.3m by 10.00 AM on Boxing Day. This significantly exceeds our safety threshold of 1.8m, making it unsafe to proceed with the event. Your safety is our priority, and under these conditions, we cannot responsibly host the event.

🛟 Supporting the RNLI: While we cannot gather for the event, our commitment to supporting the RNLI remains strong. You can still make a difference by donating through our GoFundMe page. Every contribution helps us support this vital cause, ensuring that our efforts to aid the RNLI continue despite the event's cancellation. Donate Here: https://gofund.me/fafc19b2

🙏 Thank You to Our Sponsors: We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our sponsors for your unwavering support. Your contributions, especially in times like these, are greatly appreciated.

🎉 Looking Forward to 2024: We are already planning for the 2024 Raft Event, aiming to make it an even more impactful and memorable experience. We eagerly anticipate your participation in what promises to be a fantastic event next Boxing Day.

Thank you for your understanding, support, and patience. Your commitment to our cause and community is deeply appreciated.

A Merry Christmas to all, and a happy new year.

Warm regards,

The Matlock Raft Event Committee

22/12/2023

Attention all spectators!

Big shout out to Willersley Castle for letting us use the river bank for spectating this Boxing Day! ✨

Let's show our gratitude by treating the grounds with respect. Please stay close to the river, do not leave any litter and do not stray into the grounds!

Thanks, everyone! We can't wait to see you there! 🎉

16/12/2023

Hello all, this years event is fast approaching, and we urgently need one or two volunteers to man our safety boat. 🚣‍♀️

No special training is required – just a willingness to help out. Your job will be to follow the last raft and keep a watchful eye out. If anyone needs help, you'll assist them to the river bank where our first aid responders will take over with first aid.

Think of it as a scenic trip down the Derwent! Plus, you'll have the best seat in the house for all the action. 🌊

We can’t stress this enough: we really can’t run the event without this crucial role being filled. So, if you or someone you know can step up, it would mean the world to us and ensure the safety and success of our event.

DM us or comment down below! Thank you, and see you in 10 days!

11/12/2023

🎉🌊 ANNOUNCEMENT! 🌊🎉

We've launched a GoFundMe campaign, and we're calling on YOU to make a splash with your support! 💙

For all of our friends who might not be able to be with us on the big day, or for those who are just ready to contribute right away, we've got fantastic news! You can start making a difference right now by donating online to support the incredible RNLI cause.

Visit our GoFundMe page at https://gofund.me/d0852274 - it's just a click away! Remember, no donation is too small!

Share the campaign far and wide - let's get everyone on board this wave of giving! Every donation, big or small, brings us closer to our goal and makes a real difference.

Thank you all for your support ❤️

What began as a group of enthusiastic divers seeking winter ex… The Matlock Raft Event needs your support for The Matlock Raft Event 2023 Fundraiser for RNLI

08/12/2023

🛟 Attention Rafters! Important Safety Update! 🛟

As we prepare for the upcoming event, let's not forget that safety always takes the lead! 🌟 It's crucial for everyone planning to join in the fun to read our pre-event safety brief. Your safety is our top priority!

More details, safety information, rules and application forms can also be found over on our website.

Questions or concerns? We're here to help! Feel free to reach out to us for any assistance.

Find more essential info at 👉 matlockraftevent.co.uk

07/12/2023

🚣‍♂️ Not long to go! 🚣‍♀️

For all our adventurous participants, please take a moment to review the Raft Event Rules to make your experience both fun and safe. 🌊

🔍 Detailed information, including safety guidelines, the full list of rules, and application forms, are readily available on our website.

Got questions? We're here to help! Feel free to reach out to us for any assistance. 🙋‍♂️

Dive into all the details at matlockraftevent.co.uk and stay tuned for more updates!

07/12/2023

Super stoked to see our event getting some love in a national newspaper! They're talking about all the quirky and fun winter events happening, and we're buzzing to be one of them!

Wanna see what they’re saying about us? Check it out here:

Had your fill of Christmas markets and ice rinks? Try something a little different with options from Orkney to Brighton

05/12/2023

The Garden Room Joins as a Sponsor!

The Garden Room, a delightful gift shop nestled in the heart of Matlock, has come on board as a sponsor for our event! This charming establishment is more than just a shop - it also features a quaint café at the back, offering views of Hall Lees Park.

Explore what The Garden Room has to offer at http://thegardenroom.online/

Our heartfelt thanks go to the entire team at The Garden Room for their generous support. Their contribution plays a vital role in bringing our event to life, year after year! 🌟

Thinking about becoming a sponsor yourself? For more details, please get in touch with Ian at [email protected]!

04/12/2023

We are over the moon to announce that Sian Hooton, crowned Miss Diamond UK, will be the star of our 2023 Matlock Raft Event! She'll be firing off the starting gun and leading the awards judging post-race at the Fishpond in Matlock Bath. 🏆

Click on the link below to dive into the details and hear what Sian had to say about the event. Let's show Sian a warm welcome as we gear up for this years event!

A huge thank you to Sian for making this year's event extra special! We can't wait to see you on Boxing Day! ❄️

As the countdown to Christmas picks up speed, so do preparations for a more unique Derbyshire festive tradition – the Boxing Day raft ride down the River Derwent, and this year involves a face that could launch a thousand ships.

01/12/2023

We're excited to share that Heights of Abraham is once again sponsoring our event!

Take an exciting cable car flight to the Heights of Abraham historic hilltop park. First opened in 1787 as a Georgian pleasure garden, the Heights has become an iconic attraction in Derbyshire and beyond. At the summit there are two fascinating show caverns, multiple exhibitions, amazing viewpoints, gardens and sculptures, historic buildings, adventure play and so much more. 2024 is a special year for the Heights, as it celebrates 50 years since the current custodians took ownership, and 40 years since the iconic cable car was installed.

Find out more about them at: https://www.heightsofabraham.com

We are so grateful to the Heights of Abraham team for their invaluable support, helping us make our event a success year after year! 🌟

Interested in becoming a sponsor? Please contact our team member Ian for more information at [email protected]!

30/11/2023

We are thrilled to announce Longcliffe as a sponsor for our 2023 event!

For nearly 100 years, Longcliffe Quarries Ltd (Longcliffe), based in Brassington, has been a market-leading supplier of high purity calcium carbonates. It is the largest independently-owned limestone company in the UK and produces around 100 products for a huge range of critical industries, from animal feeds and pet foods to glass and plasterboards. The company employs 190 people and contributes around £20m to the local economy each year.

Find out more about them at: https://www.longcliffe.co.uk/

Our heartfelt thanks go to the Longcliffe team for their crucial support, ensuring the continued success of our event ❤️

Interested in becoming a sponsor? Please contact our team member Ian for more information at [email protected]!

30/11/2023

29/11/2023

Arc Mechanical and Electrical Ltd is back on board as a sponsor for our 2023 event!

Arc Mechanical & Electrical Ltd are a fully integrated, privately owned building services engineering business. They have grown year upon year both in turnover and geographical spread and proudly trade with no financial borrowings.

Check them out here: https://arcmande.co.uk

Big shoutout to the Arc crew for their awesome support! For the second year running, they're helping to make a huge difference for our event ❤️

Wanna be a sponsor too? Drop our committee member Ian a message for more details at [email protected]

06/11/2023

Have you started singing Christmas songs yet?

ONLY 50 DAYS TO GO UNTIL THIS YEAR'S RAFT EVENT!!!
2023 is flying by, and we can't wait to be back on the water!

Learn more at www.matlockraftevent.co.uk