A RAFT of around 60 plastic ducks made a big splash at Bourton-on-the Water in aid of good causes.

Just over £1,300 was raised on July 29 at the annual duck races staged by North Cotswolds Rotary Club on the River Windrush, to be shared between four charities – the Cotswolds-based Kate’s Home Nursing service, Great Western Air Ambulance, Canine Partners, which matches specially trained assistance dogs with people who have physical disabilities, and Street Children of Cambodia.

The popular event has raised thousands of pounds for charity over the years. But the number of onlookers and visitors gathered on the village green to watch last month’s racing was down – probably due to the threatening overcast sky – although the weather stayed dry long enough for 12 races to be completed at half-hourly intervals.

Families with young children enjoyed the event, which also proved popular with day trippers from Europe and as far afield as Japan and South Korea. All the toy ducks were individually numbered, and ‘competitors’ chose their lucky number… all part of the fun.

Among visitors was Mrs Vikki Wherlock, from Bristol, who married at the Cotswolds wedding venue Hyde Barn, Stow-on-the-Wold, on the previous day. Her three children, Keegan, Emily and Alfie chose ducks bearing their favourite numbers.

Her children, together with Izzy and Laura Fenner, respectively aged eight and six, helped Rotarians Bob Hadley and Peter Boxall throw ducks into the river for the midday race. 

None of the ducks won, however, but the youngsters watched intently as they floated sedately down the river, past half a dozen mallards that swam out of the way and chose to watch the racing rather than compete.

Rotary club president Peter Boxall thanked Bourton residents and helpers Bob and Sue Hadley, Janet Prout and Irene Summers, together with Ronnie Wright, a visitor from the Rotary Club of Coatbridge, Airdrie and Monklands, in Scotland.

Mr Wright takes a holiday in the Cotswolds each year to coincide with the duck race.

“This is an enjoyable, fun community event which also raises money for several very worthwhile charities,” said the club president.

The total proceeds were boosted by a well-stocked tombola stall, a popular added attraction for visitors, that offered some good prizes, donated by Rotarians.