But a lot of people did go. There is just a snippet of a cinema newsreel complete with terribly post commentator setting the scene along the stretch of water between the Lark and Queen Adelaide river bridge. Taken from the east bank, where the officials seem to be, the west bank is crowded with people. On the east side riders on horseback seem to be keeping pace with the crews.

The water is very still, the Sea Cadets heave into sight furiously rowing their boat which lived in the cut near the railway along the towpath here. Now some of you must remember being sea cadets. There is also a still photo of everyone, more or less, at the finish on the west bank.

They are mostly civilians though there are several servicemen amongst them. One thing that tickles me is the girls and women. Bearing in mind this is February and the banks and droves would probably have been up to your neck in mud. Not a wellie boot to be seen, all legs and shoes. Amazing what pride will do to keep you warm and you never know who you might meet to flash a neat ankle to on such a social occasion.

Joking apart it must have been a very welcome bit of excitement in those dull harsh days. After nearly five years of war and austerity it was a rare break for everyone who could go and cheer them on. This was in the build up to D-Day. Many in Littleport will remember the soldiers billeted there in the church halls. That is the kind of memory Diamond44 would like to hear about, so now's your chance.

Published under Ann Powell's byline in the Ely Standard of August 1, 2002