2009 | April | 8th - Swindon Advertiser

Duck race to help children's cancer charity

Old Town Rotary Club is asking the public to go quackers again at this year’s annual duck race.

 

It’s hoped more than 4,500 yellow plastic ducks will be sold before Swindon’s famous duck race at Westcott Recreation Ground, on Bank Holiday Monday, May 25.

 

Funds from the day will be donated to Calm – Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Movement – which aims to care for the needs of families within the Swindon area, who have youngsters dealing with cancer or leukaemia.

 

Last year saw more than £5,000 collected and organisers say this year’s event off Wootton Bassett Road is expected to be even bigger.

 

“It’s great to get the community involved in an event like this for charity,” said Dick Mattick, the junior vice-president of Old Town Rotary Club.

 

“We pick different causes each year and this year we’ll donate to Calm. The rotary club does a lot of fundraising abroad so it’s nice to help out a local charity.

 

“We’re hoping for good weather this year and as many people to buy a duck as possible.”

 

The plastic ducks will set off from at 3.30pm, but the event will run from noon to 4pm.

 

Cash prizes totalling £1,500 will be up for grabs.

 

There will be many stalls, a craft fair, face painting, cakes, plants and hot and cold refreshments.

 

Ducks will be on sale for £1 each at Asda North in the Orbital Shopping Park on April 19, Sainsburys Bridgemead on May 3, around the town centre on May 9, Old Town Co-Op on May 16, then again at Sainsburys Bridgemead on May 16 and Old Town Co-Op on May 17.

 

They can also be purchased from Spot-on Models in Fleet Street and from Burdens in County Road.

 

A drake race for businesses will also take place on the same day, which costs firms £50 to enter.

 

For more information, please call Dick on 01793 495206 or Charlotte Mannion on 01793 790331. Also visit www.rotary-ribi.org or the charity www.calmcharity.org