Fun on way as entries open for Shropshire wacky races
Entries are now open for Shropshire's own wacky races, as organisers gear up for another year of fast and furious fun.
The Richards Castle Soap Box Derby is now in its 12th year, with scores of home-made carts set to go trundling downhill once more at Hanway Common near the south Shropshire village.
But it's not just a bit of fun – last year the annual event raised £9,000 for a range of good causes, and over the years has made almost £70,000 for charity.
Now organisers have pledged to raise yet more money, while attracting 'soap box' cart enthusiasts from around the country, as entries open for this year's on July 12.
Humphrey Salwey, chairman of the derby committee, said: "This year we have decided to support local children's charities including Ewe & You, a care farm charity based at Nash, South Shropshire Home Start, who support families with children under five, and Hope Support, a charity in Ross-on-Wye which operates throughout Herefordshire supporting young people aged 11 years or more."
Entries have only just opened, but already teams include the Black Country Hillbillys from Halesowen, Nutty's Speed Shop from Leicester, Built to Last from Willenhall and four teams from Newcastle.
A full programme of soap box racing, entertainment including the Welsh Axemen, alpaca treks and parades are booked.
