Wymeswold duck races fun for all the family

Jenny Edwards from Wymeswold playgroup with children Freya and Isla Godfrey and Sam Plant who are set to go duck racing PHOTO: Tim Williams

More than 560 runners took park in the ‘waddle’ a five-mile course organised by Wymeswold Running Club. The course records were broken in both the men’s and women’s race.

This was followed by 150 fun runners including many families running together in funny costumes, tackling the two kilometre course.

The duck races organised by the Wymeswold Village Project Fund got underway next with four betting races on the River Mantle in front of the Windmill Inn.

Organiser Chris Taylor keeps an eye on things in feathery costume PHOTO: Tim Williams

The village playgroup also staged its own ‘puddle duck regatta’ for children with the first three winners receiving a prize.

Among the other attractions throughout the day were a barbecue, skittles, welly wanging and live music from the Wymeswold Ukulele Band. There was also the thrill of watching a spectacular flypast by a Spitfire aircraft from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

For the first time ever there was a tug-of-war challenge as Wymeswold’s Young Farmers were victorious over the Windmill Inn’s staff.

In keeping with the duck race theme The Windmill Inn also brewed its own special beer for visitors called ‘Ay up me duck.’

The start of the 2km junior fun run PHOTO: Tim Williams

Many village clubs, societies and organisations ran their own attractions to raise funds, and the duck races themselves generated around £1,500 for local clubs and community projects.

Howard Cox, treasurer for the Wymeswold Village Project Fund, said: “The events were fantastic and enjoyed by all.

“The sunshine definitely boosted the attendance which helped exceed last year’s monetary figure.”