Nelson Trolley Derby Defeated By Weather

The wet weather defeated the best of intentions at Saturday's South Canterbury Finance Nelson Trolley Derby.

As the rain set in mid-morning, organisers decided for safety reasons to remove the competitive element and just allow drivers to try out their trolleys in a series of demonstration races.

Derby coordinator Antony Hodgson said at midday they decided to close the event down. ³

The drivers were still keen but we had to make a safety decision ­ these are homemade vehicles and some of the braking systems are not designed to cope with wet weather, he said.

It was disappointing but everyone took it really well and most drivers had managed to get in a couple of runs.

Nelson City Council Festival Coordinator Sophie Kelly said the inaugural Child Cancer Running of the Balls would go ahead at a later date, probably in a week or two¹s time. ³

Our new sponsors South Canterbury Finance really came on board with the derby and still stand to make a good sum for Child Cancer, with $5,000 already raised through the Smith and Son Wheelbarrow Classic, she said.

There are still balls available for registration and we¹ll also announce the winner of the Challenge Marine kid¹s design competition at this event.

The Running of the Balls will be held in Collingwood Street, with the first five numbers through the chute winning prizes - all valued over $300 - such as family tickets to Circus Oz when it comes to Nelson later this month. (March 19 -22)

This week outlets for ball registration will include Everyman, where there will be a display of Rockets (adult trolleys) at the empty premises next door.

The South Canterbury Finance Nelson Derby Trolley Derby is presented by the Nelson City Council as part of the Summer in Nelson programme - a celebration for locals and an added attraction for visitors.

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