Around 1,300 people attended Frogmore Regatta on Sunday, in spite of “unrelenting rain from dawn to dusk”.

The event, which took place on Sunday, August 20, was the 37th regatta in the village and saw people keep up the British tradition of “keep calm and carry on”, turning up with wet-weather gear and sheltering in the food and drink tent in between events.

Lynne Bentley, Frogmore Regatta, said: “Undeterred by the weather they threw themselves into events as best they could, seeking the welcome shelter of the food and drink tents to recharge. The children’s field sports went ahead, as did the raft and rowing races, the paddleboard race, dog show and the Axletramps Classic Car Enthusiasts Club display - sponsored by Toad Hall Cottages.

“Popular sideshows included the strong man hammer, swing boats, coconut shy and a visit to the magnificent birds of prey from South Hams Hawks and Owls.

“Adding a festive touch to the event were Spinney Hollow and their teepee style tent where visitors could design and create floral headdresses. All in all, the regatta did a fantastic job in entertaining people on an otherwise uninspiring summer’s day.”

Regatta chairman Paul Harding, who took charge this year, said: “We welcomed a good humoured, well-prepared crowd for coping with the adverse conditions.

“Local residents and holiday makers turned out in amazing numbers and most events went head as planned, though safety did curtail some activities.

“My sincere thanks go to all the many people who generously helped stage the regatta, to our sponsors and to all our visitors who stoically supported this year’s event.”

The Globe Inn Challenge Cup Raft Race saw some teams stay away due to the unfavourable weather, but four rafts finally braved the driving rain and strong winds on the creek on a shortened course.

Frogmore’s own Globe Inn team, standing winners for the past few years, and Kingsbridge Young Farmers, were beaten by Heatgrime, a triumphant side from Kingsbridge.

The competitors’ shield for the best dressed raft went to the floral decked ’Midsummer Night Dream’, skippered by Frogmore’s Peter Hadley and crewed by his family as Shakespeare’s Titania, her fairy retainers and Bottom turned donkey. A dream indeed given the unseasonal weather.

Waterborn’s Stand Up Paddleboard Regatta Series Race, making its debut at Frogmore Regatta, saw paddle board racers out in force on the water, with the winner eventually being named as Paul Simmons on a 14-foot board, followed by Marie Buchanan on a 12-foot-six-inch board and Pete Everitt, also on a a 14-foot board.

Their return is “keenly anticipated” next year and their presence at this years’s regatta, along with their informative stand will hopefully have inspired others to get out on the water.

The Star Prize Raffle of a two person inflatable kayak donated by Ashby’s of Kingsbridge, was won by local woman Debbie Hamilton of Chillington, who bought tickets in hope of winning it for her grandchildren’s use on the estuary.

The Dog Show, sponsored by South Moor Vets, was well subscribed as ever with a good showing of dogs and their handlers - puppies and veterans, children and adults - patiently braving the wet in and out of the show ring, and judged by show regular Barbara Hall.

Winner of the Waggiest Tail was Steph Wolstenholme’s ’Sprocker’ Kally, Best Trick went to Megan Arundell’s Yorkshire Terrier Pippin, Best Puppy went to C Rogers’ Pug Archie, Most Obedient was Angela Walter’s mixed breed Judy, Best Dog under 7 Years was won by Heather Hemsley’s Italian Spinone Gabriella and Best Dog Over 7 Years went to Maria Jukes’ Cocker Spaniel Jukes.

The Axletramps Classic Car Enthusiasts Club display attracted a quality field of entries representing all aspects of motoring in a bygone era, with one husband and wife team battling the elements to display their wartime BSA motorcycle and sidecar combination.

The ’Peoples Choice’ vote for their favourite vehicle on display went to Chillington’s John Litchfield for his beautiful self built Lotus XI replica.

Plymouth Morris Men made their debit at the Regatta and to avoid the wet ground that was harardouz for dancing, they performed in the Beer Tent , where they “energetically entertained the soggy throng with lively dances, wielding sticks, handkerchiefs and their unique/bespoke silver cutlasses, interspersed with rousing songs and shanties”, said Lynne.

An 11-strong band, ‘Banned from the Moor’, hailing from Widdecombe-on-the-Moor, “stoically” played throughout the day, lifting spirits and generating “spontaneous dancing” amongst the crowd with their lively folk music.

Karen Jones, director of regatta sponsors Coast and Country Cottages, added: “Coast and Country Cottages was delighted to sponsor Frogmore Regatta again this year and the beautiful setting alongside Frogmore Creek, the activities, competitions and stalls for all the family made this, once again, a very enjoyable event, despite the weather!

“As a locally based, family-owned and managed agency with around 400 holiday properties exclusively in the South Hams, our team are actively involved in supporting many events throughout the local calendar and Frogmore Regatta is one of the highlights.

“We would like to thank all those who work hard to make Frogmore Regatta such a success every year.”