Families turned out in force to enjoy the 28th annual ‘Model Boat & Duck Race’ at the Joey the Swan in Wistaston, writes Jonathan White.
The event, organised by Wistaston Community events team, was officially opened by Wistaston Rose Queen, Poppy Edge.
She helped to judge the best designed adult’s model boat competition, best designed children’s model boat competition and led the countdowns to the start of all the races.
She also set up and staffed her Teddy Tombola stall in aid of her chosen charity, Mary’s Meals, who provide daily school meals to children in poverty worldwide.
She was joined by her Attendant, Alona Thomas.
Six model boats were entered into the inaugural adult’s model boat race, and 44 were entered into the children’s race.
There were also 602 plastic duck race tickets (£2 each) sold and entered into the duck race.
There were 23 stalls featuring local charities and organisations with entertaining games, selling an assortment of goods or advertising their activities.
Cheshire Constabulary displayed a Safer Streets Safety Bus a “safe space” vehicle used by police and partner agencies to provide assistance to vulnerable people during the night-time economy.
Cockshades Farm Storage at Wybunbury provided a trailer to transfer equipment between Wistaston Memorial Hall and Joey the Swan.
Wistaston Conservation Group trimmed a number of trees in the memorial arboretum next to Wistaston Brook.
The Woodside pub on Valley Road allowed visitors to use their car park and toilet facilities.
Volunteers helped with tasks before and on the day including preparing the parkland area, setting up gazebos, selling duck race tickets, registering adult’s and children’s model boats, staffing stalls, marshalling the races and clearing up the parkland.
The 2025 results in full:
a) Best designed adult’s model boat – the inaugural winner was Gary Shaw, who grew up in Wistaston, with his Oasis-themed ‘Some might sail’ wooden sailing boat.
b) Adult’s model boat race. The inaugural winner was Hannah Heywood (Gary’s brother), from Wistaston, with ‘Wistaston vibes in the area’. Her boat was also Oasis-themed and featured a ‘Liam’ wearing his bucket hat.
c) Best designed children’s model boat:
1st place – ‘Splash Landings’ by Evalyn, who won £10.
2nd place – ‘Oliver’s Boat’ by Oliver, who won £8.
3rd place – ‘Stick man’ by Emme, who won £6.
d) Children’s model boat race:
1st place – ‘Cargo’ by Aime, who won £10.
2nd place – ‘Frederick boat’ by Molly and Penny, who won £8.
3rd place – ‘Bugsy’ by Seth, who won £6.
In the duck race, 1st prize was won by Daisy, who is just eight years old. All prizes have been claimed.
Nadiah Mckeown, vice chair of Wistaston Community, said: “Thank you so much to every single person involved, the volunteers that showed up in the morning to help put up gazebos were amazing.
“We are all volunteers who give up our spare time and work hard to organise this event for months before hand to ensure it’s a great community day out!
“Thank you to the stall holders, all of the volunteers on the day, The Woodside, the Conservation group and the public for making the effort to help build boats with the kids and showing up to support the event.”
Proceeds from the event will be split between Wistaston Community and Wistaston Memorial Hall.
The Wistaston Community events team welcomes new members to help organise Wistaston village events including next year’s Duck Race and Children’s model boat race, along with the Village Fete (20th June), Flower and Produce Show (August), Fireworks Display (Saturday 1st November 2025: The Brittles, entry by donation) and the Christmas Concert (Friday 5th December 2025: St Mary’s Church Hall).
New volunteers are always welcome to join Wistaston Community News and Events.
To get involved, visit https://www.facebook.com/wistaston/ or https://www.wistastoncommunity.co.uk/
(All images by Jonathan White)
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