Paddle along to Thatcham's duck race

Rotary Club charity fundraiser to be held on Sunday

HAVE your ducks at the ready as the great Thatcham duck race returns on Sunday.

Thousands of rubber ducks will be poured into the River Kennet as a fundraiser for the Rotary Club of Thatcham and District which is staging the event for the third year.

Rotarian Frank Quinn said that the club was looking to float around 3,000 ducks, weather permitting.

“Hopefully they will have the idea of going the right way, as some go backwards”, he joked.

Mr Quinn said that the event had become a popular family occasion and that children of all ages appreciated the silliness of the quintessentially English race.

“We’re hoping everybody who has bought tickets will turn up and we’re looking forward to seeing young families come along and enjoy themselves,” he said.

The ducks, which cost £1 to back, will take a dip at noon with the first three to cross the line rewarding their backers with £200; £100 and £50 prize money respectively.

Money raised from the race goes towards local, national and international charities supported by the club.

Mr Quinn said that the club was hoping to beat the £2,500 raised at last year’s race.

The race will begin at noon and will be held at The Rowbarge, Woolhampton.