Christmas came early when a rally was held at the Middle Level Watermen’s Club Sutton Staithe and Skoulding’s Rest sites in March.

Cambs Times: Fun with fancy dress! Contestants pioctured in the 2015 Association of Nene River Club's (A.N.R.C) fancy dress competition.Fun with fancy dress! Contestants pioctured in the 2015 Association of Nene River Club's (A.N.R.C) fancy dress competition. (Image: © Mike Daines 2015)

The event took the theme of Merry Christmas in May at March for the Association of Nene River Clubs 2015 rally.

It set the scene for family fun and revelry for associated clubs and individual members who all received warm welcomes at the opening ceremony from MLWC Commodore, Bill Barry and ANRC Captain, John Brown.

Activities included boat handling skills, senior and junior rowing, rope throwing and of course the chance to celebrate Christmas twice in one year with a themed fancy dress competition, a Christmas meal and the rally highlight event - the talent show.

Oundle Cruising Club, scored the most points of the five boating events and received the coveted Ruby Plate award from MLWC President, Bernard Keane.

Cambs Times: Middle Level Watermen's Club member David Guard camps it up celebrating Christmas in May in March, at the Association of Nene River Club's (A.N.R.C) rally held over the Spring Bank Holiday.Middle Level Watermen's Club member David Guard camps it up celebrating Christmas in May in March, at the Association of Nene River Club's (A.N.R.C) rally held over the Spring Bank Holiday. (Image: © Mike Daines 2015)

The rally came to a close with a rendition of Auld Lang Syne.

Commodore Bill Barry said, “This year’s rally has been a fantastic success for both the ANRC and our club as hosts and we have all thoroughly enjoyed the fun and laughter throughout.”

Cambs Times: A contestant pictured in the 2015 Association of Nene River Club's (A.N.R.C) junior rowing section held at the Middle Level Watermen's Club base at Skoulding's Rest in March.A contestant pictured in the 2015 Association of Nene River Club's (A.N.R.C) junior rowing section held at the Middle Level Watermen's Club base at Skoulding's Rest in March. (Image: © Mike Daines 2015)