Soapbox Derby

We have received the following update.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

It’s all go-go-go at Shipley School

After months of planning, last weekend, The Shipley Soapbox Derby 2023 brought hundreds of people together, young and old, to compete for the spoils.

Nineteen soapboxes gathered at the top of the hill outside the school, many of them the result of many hours work between children and parents. The ‘wanna be’ racing drivers went through strict scrutineering before weaving their way down the 350m track on School lane. A normally peaceful and quiet country lane, it was transformed to hordes of supporters cheering for the
competitors.

The idea was the brainchild of Sarah Cuthbertson, chair of Friends of Shipley school had been given the green flag by Horsham District Council to transform the hill into a Crocodile infested, ‘splashtastic’ fun zone with ramps and chicanes, reminiscent of something out of ‘Mario Cart’ with the soapboxes not looking too out of cartoon character either!

The atmosphere was that of fun and laughter, cheers and delight, as the carts made their way down to the finish line, cajoled and coaxed by the a legend in the Mountain Biking world and friend to the school - Matt Carr, who MC’d the day’s events in his usual vibrant style.

With Food and drink a plenty from neighboring local businesses such as Sussex lamb, the Boars Head pub, along with Lakedown Brewery and House Coren keeping the crowds refreshed.

The afternoon finished with children dowsing each other on the podium with fizzy water ,sponsorship kindly by The Co-op, whilst the adults sprayed the crowd, along with special guest,Jeremy Quin MP, in House Coren’s newest and Sussex’s finest sparking Rosé!

Commenting, Sarah said: “The event wouldn’t have been possible without the sponsors, including the truly dedicated and local team from Platinum Ambulance, who brought their invaluable support and loan of equipment for the day, along with the finish line and podium, sponsored by another local company ‘Anthony James’ cars. The day wouldn’t have been complete without trophies and these were beautifully handcrafted from Sussex wood, kindly donated by Designs Woodcraft”.

Adding: “The day set up to bring the community together to encourage families to spend time together, whilst nurturing relationships, building and creating, and judging by the feedback rom the participants and spectators alike, that box was well and truly ticked.”

With sponsorship and donations counted, the final figure raised for the school was just under £2000. Shipley Primary School have once again proved they are ‘Small but mighty’,

Sarah C – Chair of Friends of Shipley School.