18th ‘Annual Community Duck Race and Children's Model Boat Race’

Reporter John White, Crewe

18th ‘Annual Community Duck Race and Children's Model Boat Race’ (Sat 7-9-13)

The 18th ‘Annual Community Duck Race and Children's Model Boat Race’ took place on Saturday 7th September 2013, at the Joey the Swan Recreation ground in Wistaston.

The event, which was sponsored by Wistaston Community Council and the Crewe Cine & Video Club, was officially opened by the Wistaston Rose Queen (Naomi Barker) and her Attendant (Poppy Bellingham). Members of the Hall's management committee organised the event. 59 model boats were entered into the Children's Model Boat Race and 800 duck race tickets (£1 each) were sold and entered into the Duck Race.  All proceeds go to the new curtains fund at the Wistaston Memorial Hall & Community Centre, Church Lane, Wistaston. There were also twelve stalls featuring local charities and organisations. Several hundred people attended the event, which took place in glorious sunshine. The Wistaston Memorial Hall’s committee sincerely thank all those who helped to make the event a success in many ways, which raised £600 for the new stage curtains.

Here are the results in full:

Children's Model Boat Race (59 model boats entered):

a) Best designed children's model boat (judged by Wistaston Rose Queen, Naomi Barker and her Attendant, Poppy Bellingham):

1st – Natalie Rea with her boat 'Huckleberry Finn' paddle steamer

2nd – Charlotte Rea

3rd – Chloe and Jessica Brereton

b) Children's Model Boat Race (organised by India Sloan):

1st – Millie Worthington - wins £5, plus trophy donated by Herbert Locke MBE.

2nd – Isaac Fowler

3rd – Fin Davison

Duck Race (800 tickets sold):

1st – No. 118 – Joan Evanson - wins £100, plus trophy donated by Les Fothergill.

2nd – No. 175 – Barbara Ray - £50.

3rd – No. 657 – Kerry Hodgekiss - £25.

Bill Heath provided commentary on both races.

Event organiser John White said, "This was another successful community enterprise for Wistaston. The Memorial Hall's officers worked so hard to run the event. People who visited were most generous to buy so many tickets. I was pleased to hear that the stall holders and charities did well. The children were excited and enthusiastic to see their boats in action. It was a quacking great success. We were fortunate with the weather. So many people helped to set up and take down the equipment; we thank them all. The £600 raised will complete the necessary shortfall in paying for the new stage curtains in the main hall. We can't wait for the 2014 Duck Race on Saturday 6th September."

All photographs by Andrew Feltham. They have all been uploaded to http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonathanawhite/sets/72157635487334462/

John White

Chairman

Memorial Hall’s Management Committee