Nearly 300 rubber ducks battle it out in Kingsclere duck race

The Kingsclere Twinning Association held its annual rubber duck race on Bank Holiday Monday, August 28.

Nearly 300 ducks raced down Gaily Brook in the village while several Kingsclere residents watched on, willing their bird to victory.

Amid much excitement, chair of the Kingsclere Twinning Association Sue Watson launched the ducks, assisted by Alex Burley.

John Read provided a dramatic commentary during the race.

Association member Sarah Davis said this year’s duck race was “a great village event and fun for all the family”.

The first duck to cross the finishing line was owned by Steve Omiljanczyk.

Mike Leah’s duck came second, followed closely by Lyla Beall’s in third.

The winner’s prize was £35, second received £25 and third £15.

Kerry Twyford also won a hamper of French products from the Champagne region on the day.

The Kingsclere Twinning Association, which facilitates Kingsclere’s connection to the French village of Cormicy, celebrated 10 years of its French connection in May when six people, including the Cormicy mayor, came to stay in Kingsclere for a weekend.

Around £300 profit was raised from the duck race, and this will go towards expenses incurred during the association’s return visit to Cormicy next year.