I write in respect of your article concerning Wivenhoe Town Regatta in Monday’s Gazette in which, I must point out, there was one glaring error – the Pub Shovel Race 2009 was won by the Black Buoy Inn.

Indeed, no one seems to be aware that Wivenhoe Town Football Club took part, unless they did so under the cloak of invisibility (has it been suggested that perhaps they did so underwater? While one of the first recorded submarines was built in Wivenhoe, it had huge problems with navigation and probably wouldn’t have won the race in a month of Sundays).

I do feel that the team of the Black Buoy Inn should be congratulated for their efforts and the pub itself should be thanked for the bottle of champagne it donated to the winners.

So well done John Moores, Ian Parnell and Jason Winstanley and Tom and Debs, of the Black Buoy.

The Pram Race winners were also Black Buoy regulars.

As previously mentioned, the Black Buoy and its team deserve congratulating and perhaps, if Wivenhoe Town Football Club would like to take part next year, they should do so openly.

S Wilson
Station Road
Wivenhoe