If ever proof were needed that the English had finally gone "round the bend" then it can be found around Barham -
in the Nailbourne Rapids Race which was last held in 1988.

Entrants must travel 4 miles on some sort of craft from North Elham Farm to Barham Village Green.   There were 20 obstacles en route plus overland sections where the vessel must be carried.   That year, over 60 craft ranging from four-poster beds, windsurfing boards and various designs of rafts in variable degrees of seaworthiness made their way along the course.
Here are some pictures of the race which raised some £1,500 for charity.

Chairman of the race committee Paul George tests his waterbed.

Mary Harris of Barham splashes out.

Chris Hoard from Kingston on his Duck Board.

Don Hanford and Simon Goldfinch from The Duck at Pett Bottom.

Fierce competition between competitors 

Linda Stewart & Jill Skelton from Elham.