ORGANISERS of Wivenhoe Regatta have issued an appeal for old programmes to mark this year’s Olympic and jubilee-themed event.

As well as planning family-fun events and the boat racing, the committee wants to create a commemorative programme, including excerpts and photos from the regatta’s past.

People with programmes from key years marking the last London Olympics and the Queen’s Silver and Golden Jubilees are asked to help out.

Nenah Troendle, one of the organisers, said: “This really is a special year and we want to recognise it with a special programme.

“Nottage Maritime Institute has a number of old programmes, but we would really like to find one from a jubilee, coronation or Olympic year.

“We also hope to print the schedule itself in a traditional style, to create something people will want to keep.” The regatta, dating back to the late 19th century, is on July 21 between 11am and 5pm, with the traditional pram race around the town, kicking off festivities the night before.

Art and craft stalls will centre around the maritime institute, on The Quay, with Wivenhoe Sailing Club running events on the water.

Events include a home-made raft race and children’s races, while Punch and Judy and a brass band will perform at the water’s edge.

If you have an old programme, would like to enter the pram race or want more information, e-mail nenah_troendle @yahoo.co.uk Special years to look out for are 1948, the London Olympics; 1953, the Coronation of the Queen; 1977, the Queen’s Silver Jubilee and 2002, the Queen’s Golden Jubilee.