22 July 2007 17:15
The heavy rainfall forced the cancellation of the famous world snail racing championships at the weekend - the first time the event did not go ahead in its 40-year-history.
Ironically, although the slow-moving competitors may not have been affected by the wet conditions, the expected large numbers of visitors and their cars would have been because the cricket field at Congham was heavily waterlogged.
Organisers of the event, which attracts international media coverage, were forced to call off the event after a site inspection on Saturday morning.
Organiser Hilary Scase admitted that the waterlogged field meant it was a "disaster" for everyone who had worked so hard preparing for the event which is staged as part of the village fete which raises badly- needed funds for the village church.
"This is the first time that we have cancelled the fete, but the field is waterlogged and if we had allowed cars to park there
it would have ruined it," said Mrs Scase.
"It is a disaster for us because our supporters in the village had been working hard making cakes and other edible goods and had been stocking freezers all over the village.
"It is a great shame because, as far as our village is concerned, it is the main day of the year," she said.
So sad that such a prestigious event has been cancelled.Ah well, they could always keep the snails 'til bonfire night. Sell em on for a few quid with a dollop of mayo or tomato sauce and recoup the losses from the GP.
Possibly, but it is a genuine news item... 
