A CLOUDY start did not prevent people visiting Bourton to enjoy a family day out including duck racing on the River Windrush.

The successful event for North Cotswolds Rotary Club was held on Saturday, July 25, and raised a total of £1,000 to be split between the club’s four principal charities for this year - Winston’s Wish, the charity for bereaved children; Carers Gloucestershire which provides support and advice for carers when they need it most; Stow Disability Association (covering the North Cotswolds), and Building Malawi which provides buildings for use as libraries and schools in that country.

It was a fun day out for residents and many visitors from countries including India, Israel, Lithuania and America, to name just a few, with passers-by stopping for a chat and a punt on the ducks and tombola.

“It is our first visit to England,” said Matt Gilan and Gilad Schenker from Israel. “And we are really enjoying our five days in the Cotswolds.” Matt and Gilad’s duck won the race at 2.30pm, for which they received a winner’s certificate and a £5 prize, proof that both adults and children entered into the spirit of the event.

Children seemed to have as much fun choosing a duck with their lucky number as they did watching the ducks float lazily along on what turned out to be a lovely sunny afternoon.

“Numbers were a little down on last year,” said organiser Bob Hadley. “But having fun and at the same time raising £1,000 for charity makes the effort well worthwhile.”

He thanked all who came to support the event and particularly Sue Hadley and Janet Prout for their help with ticket sales, and also visiting Rotarian Ronnie Wright, president of Coatbridge, Airdrie and Monklands Rotary Club in Scotland.