Just under twenty years age a group of customers were gathered in the White Hart Shefford having a convivial evening. The conversation turned to what's happening in Shefford?
Not a lot was the general feeling, then what can we do about it? After many ideas were put forward and discussed one became favourite.
A pram race around the Shefford pubs, ten at that time.
The participants would dress up as BABIES and MUMS and would push a pram around the 2.5 mile course collecting money on the way, they would also be sponsored for each pub they visited. All the money collected would go to the Imperial Cancer Research Fund.
THE SHEFFORD PRAM RACE WAS BORN.
The first race took place on the last Sunday in May 1976 and has been held on the late Spring Bank Holiday ever since. To date it has raised over £30,000 for the Imperial Cancer Research Fund.
David, Pam and Margaret, The Friends Of Imperial Cancer Research Fund Shefford Branch, would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has helped make this event such a success over the years and look forward to further support in the future.
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SCRAM WITH YOUR PRAM.
All fleet of foot are assembled here,
to push their prams and swig their beer.
All at the White Hart are in good cheer,
as this year's big Pram Race draws near.
Many seem very unsteady on their feet,
yet all are happy their friends to greet.
In a while they'll have to pass them by,
as, with their pram, down the street they fly.
Visitors stagger in from far and wide
rolling forward like an incoming tide!
Shouting obscenities to all they deride,
encouraging those who are on their side!
The athletes straining at the leash,
hoping last year's record they will breach.
Their followers they have much to teach,
each "baby's" made ready like a prize peach.
All training ended this is the date,
but could your "baby" be overweight?
With make-up on you can scarcely wait,
but appearance judging you really hate!
The photograph call in the yard out back,
a useful opportunity for a brief snack.
A chance to have your first drink as well,
then, get feet into gear, run like hell!
The ugliest babies you've ever seen,
propelled by nothing like a beauty queen!
Bottle in hand while supping their ale,
but on sharp bends they may turn pale!
Now assembling together in line abreast
preparing yourselves for this mighty test.
Quaffing ale and running at your best
"baby's" bottle spilling down its vest.
To the Steamer next and have a quick drink,
have more of a 'crack' than you would think!
Pram bouncing along all over the road
no traffic passing, so pedestrians to goad!
Now you find the Woolpack on the corner
provides everyone a welcome even warmer.
With Sally and Dolly you down your mug of grog,
then you continue with your orbital jog!
Accounting for where the Sportsman stood,
but drinks are still provided - jolly good!
Then the Black Swan, you're feeling happy,
watch out - it's Joseph with a dirty nappy!
The Royal Oak would be your very next stop,
but, at the J.R. Ford garage, your radiator top!
Refreshed once more you thunder on,
to the old New Inn - long since gone!
The Bridge is where you now must head,
polished brass and copper shining red!
The White Swan beckons from a long way off,
Big Brother watching, more drink to scoff!
The Brewery Tap is not far now -
and you would get there if you knew how!
The final dash to the White Hart
brings you back to your original start.
A golden, festive potty for the winner,
while others enjoy their mid-day dinner!
Shiny golden bootees for all the rest,
who, everyone knows, have done their best!
FH Bond.
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