Annual duck race proves a big splash for Wistaston families

Hundreds of families enjoyed the 20th annual community duck race and children’s model boat race in Wistaston, writes Jonathan White.

The event, sponsored by Wistaston Community Council and Crewe Movie Makers, was opened by Wistaston Rose Queen Rachel Astbury and her attendant Chelsea Horne.

Members of the hall’s management committee organised the event.

38 model boats were entered the boat race, and 777 plastic duck race tickets (£1 each) were sold and entered into the duck race.

All £554 raised will go to the funds of the Wistaston Memorial Hall & Community Centre, on Church Lane, Wistaston.

There were also 15 stalls featuring local charities and organisations, selling an assortment of goods or advertising their activities.

Race results in full:

Children’s Model Boat Race:

a) Best designed children’s model boat (judged by Wistaston Rose Queen, Rachel Astbury and her Attendant, Chelsea Horne):

1st – Matthew Crump with his boat ‘Chaos’ who won £10 and a trophy.

2nd place – Jasmine Poulter (‘Ballet Jazz’).

3rd place – Lyssa Davies (‘Elizabeth’).

Matthew, aged 3½, from Crewe, said: “My boat is great. I like it.”

b) Children’s Model Boat Race:

1st – Jasmine Poulter with her boat ‘Ballet Jazz’ who won £10, plus a trophy donated by Herbert Locke MBE.

2nd place – Fabia Cara (‘Fabella’).

3rd place – Isaac Fowler (‘Swan cruises’).

Jasmine won prizes in both the best designed children’s boat and the children’s model boat race.

Duck Race (777 tickets sold):

1st – No.407 – Abigail Poulter who won £100, plus a trophy donated by Les Fothergill, a past Wistonian of the Year.

2nd – No.175 – Meurig Jones – £50.

3rd – No.122 – E.Hollinshead – £25.

There was commentary on both races, with excitement and incident around every corner as ducks and boats bobbed and weaved along the obstacle course, prepared by Dave O’Harah.

Event organiser John White said: “This was another successful, community event for Wistaston.

“The Memorial Hall’s officers worked tirelessly to run the event. People who visited were most generous to buy so many tickets.

“I was pleased to hear that the stallholders and charities did well.

“The children were excited and fascinated 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 £554 raised will complete the necessary internal decoration of the hall.

“We can’t wait for the 2016 Duck Race, which will be the 21st event, on Saturday September 3.”

If any organisation or company would like to sponsor one of the 2016 races, contact Mr White on 01270 661484.

(all pictures courtesy of Jonathan White)