A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN

Pram Race 2025; once again, Oxted did not disappoint, as two hundred competitors (many of them yellow) wowed the crowded streets from Master Park to lower Old Oxted. The prams were as amazing as ever, with outfits that caused a stir. We ran, we drank, and we certainly soaked – but most importantly of all, we jointly celebrated the best that Oxted has to offer,
whilst raising £7k for worthy local charities – still time to donate!

With the weather once again on our side, the citizens of Oxted and the surrounding areas pulled together to; organise, manage, support and compete in this year’s spectacle. A special thank you to the marshalling team, under the management of Ed Luck. The largest team we have had, providing an ever more valuable service, as the challenges associated with running the event continue to grow –
if you fancy assisting next year, please do let us know.

A decrease in team sponsorship monies, results in an increased focus on bucket collections throughout the day. The powers of persuasion from our Collections team as they strived to empty your pockets, helped to secure much needed funds for our local charities- an amazing job, thank you.

Not wanting to put a ‘dampener on the day’, but as a Committee focused on ensuring the best experience for all involved; competitors and spectators, we have little choice but to express our concern over the excessive use of water bombs, balloons and more recently, smoke bombs!. Whilst there is a clear environmental issue, mitigated via our extensive clean up operation throughout the following Monday, Their inappropriate use has actually led to a reduction in willing competitors, which is detrimental to success of the event. For that reason, we would appreciate it if you could embrace the ethos for a ‘bomb free’ event – Pram Race 2026 (water and super soakers welcome)!

As the event evolves, the reliance upon robust planning increases, as does the need for considered / reliable entertainment and hospitality – once again, they didn’t disappoint. A massive thank you to; Master Park & The Hub, Ringway roadway logistics, St Johns, The Scouts & Guides, Warlingham Rugby Club, Hops & Bubbles, The Cricket Club, The Royal British Legion, Wheatsheaf, The Crown, Titsey Brewery,
F H Brundle, Footprint, Visual Signs, Days Garage, Randy & The Rockets and last but not least, Tandridge Council.

Once all of the monies have all been received and counted, the local beneficiaries will then receive their cheques and on their behalf, we thank you all. With Pram Race complete and your craft either destroyed or in a museum for another year, we wish you well for the summer and look forward to seeing your crazy creations at next years event, when you’re likely to witness a few changes to the format…….

Thank you, to both the Oxted Pram Race Committee and the Oxted Rotary Club.