“Covid-19 ruins the fun for thousands this Boxing Day”
After careful consideration of all the possible ways of running our 75th annual Pagham Pram Race, it is with great regret we have to announce that this year’s race due to take place on Boxing Day 2020 will be postponed until further notice.
The Race Committee have not taken this decision lightly. After having discussions with local partners, Arun District Council, our main sponsors and our insurers, we have concluded it would be impossible to ensure the 1-2 metre distancing rule required under the current Covid-19 directives. We also have taken into account the impact this will have on the local public houses.
Therefore it is unlikely we could guarantee anyone’s safety from any Covid -19 contact.
The event has grown over the last few years to a point where we regularly expect to see crowds of over 5,000 spectators lining the route, therefore the costs involved in complying with the requirements would far exceed any charitable gains.
Paul Moore, one of our main sponsors New Barn / Slated Barn Kia said “Rain or shine the race would be run is the motto of this world famous race, but no one could predict Covid-19. We at Newbarn Kia believe the Race Committee have made the right decision to postpone the running of this year’s race until it is safe to do so. We would urge everyone to visit their website and donate as much as possible so they can help limit the impact this decision will have on local charities.”
Pram Race Committee Chairman Tim Holland said “We are well aware that many local good causes and charities rely on us each year to help them keep their projects and good causes going. Particularly, after last year’s record amount of £20,000 given to 36 local groups, it is extremely disappointing to have to postpone this year’s 75th Anniversary event.”
We also have not been able to run any other of our fund raising events during the last year which also includes our Grand Xmas Draw.
Therefore, in place of our usual fund raising activities we have set up a Just Giving page which will allow members of the public, who would normally support the Pram Race, a vehicle to do so. The details of how you can donate can be found on our website www.paghampramrace.com. We would greatly appreciate any donation however small so we can carry on supporting our local good causes.
In conclusion, the Pram Race Committee would like to thank you all for your support in the past but now feel it’s our turn to support you by keeping you and the local community safe.
Our Just Giving page can be found here