Rotary Club of Maffra Guinness World Book of Records

Call them what you will — Wellingtons, galoshes or gumboots, but when the siren sounded just after noon on Sunday, the sky above Maffra Recreation Reserve was a sea of them.

 

The most people throwing Wellington gum boots simultaneously is 431, achieved by Burwell Village College Primary in Burwell, UK, on 1 July 2016.

The Rotary Club of Maffra was aiming to beat this record with the help and participation of keen and interested community participants.

NO records were broken, but a lot of fun was had by all.

Hundreds flocked to Maffra Recreation Reserve on Sunday to be part of the Rotary Club of Maffra’s attempt to beat the gumboot throwing record and score a spot in next year’s Guinness Book of Records, but the tally of 333 was almost 100 too few.

The carnival atmosphere and sensational autumn weather made for a fun day out, and there wasn’t too much disappointment at not having beaten the record.

The event put Maffra on the map and helped raise about $1000 after costs, all of which goes towards community projects.

Rotarian and event organiser Dianne Honey said the Wellington community had embraced the record attempt wholeheartedly, most coming early to browse the market stalls and enjoy the jumping castle, music, food and games.

For the children, there was plenty for them to do such as carnival rides, face painting and a jumping castle. They could even place an entry into the best decorated gumboot section or participate in the egg and spoon race wearing gumboots, or the three-legged race also wearing gumboots!

There were families, singles, old and young, and even a set of eyes watching from above, as a drone flew overhead to record the occasion and make the record attempt legitimate.

“Everyone had a great day and that was one of the things we wanted to see happen” Ms Honey said.

She said the club was now planning on selling some of the gumboots generously donated by dairy equipment specialists Daviesway, to boost the fundraising total.

“It was a great success, and we are now thinking of doing something next year so we have another reason for a family day out.”

 

P.P. Shane Smallwood PHF

Rotary Club of Maffra.