Derby Rained Off For First Time In Donkey's Years
TRADITIONALLY, it is one of the great events of Folkestone's
summer but, in a year of severe drought, the annual donkey derby was rained off
for the first time this weekend.For 27 years crowds have flocked to Radnor Park
on the second Saturday of August to see donkeys battle it out over the 100 yard
course.
But at noon on Saturday, as rain fell relentlessly and the ground became more
and more slippery, the decision was taken to call off this year's race.
A representative from Folkestone Lions Club, which organises the event,
estimated that the washout would cost up to £1,500, with the hiring of donkeys
and the cancelling of the funfair.
Roger West, president of the donkey derby committee, said: "For the first time
ever we've had to abandon it. It's far too dangerous for the donkeys.
"I've never known it to happen in 30 odd years of being associated with the
donkey derby, but the water is lying on the ground and I can't risk the kids
breaking legs, or the donkeys.
"We probably stand to lose between £1,000 and £1,500, what with donkey hire and
having to cancel the band, who came down from London specially."
They were not the only visitors from outside the area to be disappointed.
Mr West added: "It's a bit embarrassing really because our French twin club from
Calais have come to see how we do it.
"It was going to be the first time they had been, but we weren't even able to
show them a donkey."
The jockeys, teenage members of riding schools in the area, will have to wait
another year for their moment of glory, while their donkeys, left waiting in
vain in their truck, will also have to be patient.
Folkestone Extra, Folkestone Extra Series, 18 August 2006
