It was another outstanding success – both in the water and on dry land – with many of us saying we cannot wait for next year's event.

And the popularity of the water festival is obviously spreading, with a bumper entry of teams for the dragon boat racing from around the town and further afield.

It's great to see our waterways being used to such good effect, with fun and entertainment for all the family.

Okay, the Beijing Olympics may be dominating our television screens, but the hundreds of people who decided to make their way to the Relief Channel instead were not disappointed. The photographs on this page give just a flavour of the event.

By the way, I hear there's more riverside fun at Hilgay on Sunday, including a duck race. Proceeds from this event go to Cats Protection and Brambles Animal Sanctuary, two very worthwhile charities.

• Back home in Downham, with lots of memories and photographs, are members of our twinning club who have just returned from their latest biennial visit to Civray.

• By all accounts the week in the French town went all too quickly and they were treated to some superb hospitality by their Civray hosts.

I hear that the highlights included a visit to a theme park, a traditional picnic that started at noon and continued, for some, until about 10pm, and also a visit to a "Little Venice".

So congratulations here to the twinning committee for flying our flag on the other side of the Channel and maintaining the entente cordial.

• And finally, although the weather on Saturday was on the wet side, I'm pleased to hear it didn't dampen spirits at the Tufty Club 40th anniversary – so well done to them, as well.