825 plastic ducks race at annual Wistaston community event

Hundreds of plastic ducks raced each other in Wistaston at the annnual “Duck Race and Children’s Model Boat Race” event.

Villagers gathered at the Joey the Swan Recreation ground for the event which was organised by members of the Wistaston Community Council.

The event was officially opened by guest of honour Wistaston Rose Queen Charlotte Shaw.

A record 74 model boats were entered into the Children’s Model Boat Race and 825 plastic duck race tickets (£1 each) were sold and entered into the Duck Race.

Proceeds will go to the funds of Wistaston Community Council, Wistaston Memorial Hall and Community Centre, and several local charities.

There were 12 stalls featuring local charities and organisations, selling goods or advertising activities.

Wistaston Rose Queen Charlotte also set up and staffed a stall to raise money and awareness of her chosen charity this year Parkinson’s UK and the local Crewe & District Branch of Parkinson’s UK.

Refreshments were available from the 26th South West Cheshire (1st Willaston) Scout Group and other outlets.

Here are the results in full:

Children’s Model Boat Race (74 model boats entered):

Best designed children’s model boat: 1st – ‘The Bubbler’ by Abigail Poulter who won £10 and a trophy. 2nd place – ‘Lest we forget’. 3rd place – ‘Rainbow Blaze’ by Poppy Edge.

Children’s Model Boat Race: 1st – ‘Smokey Jones’ by Louis Phipps who won £10, plus a trophy donated by Herbert Locke MBE. 2nd place – ‘Theo’s Boat’ by Theo Jones who won £8. 3rd place – ‘Rainbow Blaze’ by Poppy Edge who won £6.

Poppy Edge, aged 5 from Wistaston, won prizes in both events.

Duck Race: 1st – No.143 – Anne & Nick Garner who won £100, plus a trophy donated by Les Fothergill, a past Wistonian of the Year. 2nd – No.613 – Star Rowlands – £50. 3rd – No.533 – Stephanie Burley – £25.

There was an enthusiastic commentary on both races by Dane Chaplow, chairman of Wistaston Community Council.

A representative from Wistaston Community Council said: “We thank all the visitors and volunteers for making the event such a quacking success.”

(Images courtesy of Jonathan White)