Newbury duck race draws in thousands of spectators as it raises much needed cash for Newbury Lions welfare fund
Picture special: Please scroll right to the bottom to see all the photos taken by our photographer Phil Cannings.
Thousands of people had a quacking time at Newbury’s duck race yesterday (Sunday).
A total of 1,000 ducks were sold out well ahead of the race, which is organised by Newbury Lions.
The yellow plastic birds - and one wearing glasses with bright red lips - were tipped into the water by the Lock, Stock and Barrel pub in Newbury just before 2.30pm.
There was then a quack and dash to the finish line near Victoria Park, with spectators rushing along the canal path to follow the progress of their ducks.
The winners took just over 15 minutes to make the journey along the water - which appeared to prove slightly mystifying to the swans and geese already paddling around by the American bridge when their plastic counterparts arrived.
In first place was Wendy Napier, who won £100; in second place was John Black; and in third place was Debbie Smith, who won £25. All three donated their winnings back to the Newbury Lions’ fundraising pot - with Ms Napier donating half to the Swings and Smiles charity too.
Margo Payne, the immediate past president of Newbury Lions and one of the organisers on the day, said it had been “amazing”.
“There were more people there than last year,” she added. “It was just such a wonderful experience.
“Kennet Radio were fantastic and they were doing a really funny commentary of the race.
“A big thank you to Kennet Radio and to the Lock, Stock and Barrell, who sponsored us.”
She said that thanks to the sponsorship from the town centre pub, all money raised can now go straight into the Lions’ welfare fund.
They are still counting the cash but expect it to be well over £1,000 because “some really generous people paid for one duck but gave us £5”, while others who were too late to buy a duck as they all sold out quickly, still donated their pound to the pot.
The money will go into the Welfare Fund, which offers support grants monthly for a range of items from a stairgate to a washing machine.
“This £1,000 will really make a lot of difference for a lot of people,” Mrs Payne added.
Newbury Lions will have a stall at the finish line and Kennet Radio will also be there entertaining the crowds.
Mrs Payne added another big thank you to the members of Newbury Canoe Club, who were “on the water keeping the ducks out of trouble and making sure none escaped over the booms at the end”.
The event, which returned in 2023 after a five year hiatus, was rearranged from April when the water levels on the canal were too high to safely stage the race.
The Lions are now straight onto the next fundraising event, with a planning meeting for the fireworks display taking place this week.
The fireworks display will take place this year on Saturday November 2, at Newbury Racecourse.
