Canterbury’s Westgate Gardens hosted a familiar sight on Sunday as thousands of yellow ducks made their way along the River Stour for our annual fundraising Duck Race. The event – now in its third decade – raised thousands for local and international causes supported by our Club. This year the event had two new elements and coincided with the opening day of the city’s Great Stour Riverfest.
Spectators lined the banks from Toddler’s Cove to Tower House to watch the ducks’ progress. For many families, the race has become a much-loved tradition and several bought picnics to make the most of the occasion.
This year’s programme had two new elements. Proceedings began with a VIP Punt Procession – an idea hatched by Rotarian Roger Hickman, who was on hand to greet the Lord Mayor of Canterbury, Cllr Keji Moses, and the Lady Mayoress, Carol Reed, as they arrived at the river side. They were joined by: the Sheriff of Canterbury, Steph Jupe; representatives of our Gold Sponsor organisations; Joey Wicks and others from the Prince of Wales Youth Club; and representatives of other local organisations. Mr Duck (aka Past President Tim Brett) was happy to pose for pics while live music was provided from the lead punt by Rotarian David Pentin from Forest of Blean Rotary.
Next came a new, dedicated Corporate Duck Race, also introduced by Roger Hickman, which saw around 180 ducks sponsored by local businesses “rush” to the finish for 1st place. The winners, Clague Associates, received champagne and a £500 donation for their chosen charity.
Our main Duck Race began as usual at 1pm, when thousands of ducks were launched into the river from Toddler’s Cove. As usual our MC, Past President Peter Hermitage, provided pun fun. Canterbury Lifesavers kept the ducks on course and a recovery team led by PP Martin Ward collected the ducks at the finish line. Prizes went to Bess, Belle and Archie (duck no. 2471), who won the first prize of £500; Robert (duck no. 2262), who won £200 for second place; and Tony (duck no. 308), who won £100 for third.
Rotary President Raj Dasan congratulated the winners and thanked all who supported the event, noting the collaboration of Canterbury’s three Rotary clubs in organising the day. “It’s been a very enjoyable community event and we are very grateful to all who came along or sponsored a duck and made the event such a success,” he said.
We are grateful to our Gold Sponsors – Brett Group, Brett Aggregates Limited, Capital Concrete Limited, Kreston Reeves LLP, Gallagher, Grosvenor Leasing, Hume Planning Consultancy Ltd, Southbay Civil Engineering Ltd, Café du Soleil and Café des Amis du Mexique, and MC Trucks – whose support helped make the event possible. We would also like to thank Westgate Punts, the Prince of Wales Youth Club, duck sellers (organised by PP Richard Kemball-Cook and led on the day by PP Mike Talbot and assisted by PP Maxine Blades), volunteer marshals (Rotarians from all three Canterbury clubs and Inner wheel members, led by PP Viv Pritchard), the launch and recovery teams (led by PP Stephen Thompson and PP Martin Ward respectively), Canterbury Lifesavers (who donated their fee to the RNLI), and the St John Ambulance Brigade. Finally, thanks go to the many members of the public who sponsored ducks or came along on the day.
The Duck Race is not only a fun family event but also an important fundraiser that allows us to support projects in Canterbury and further afield. The money raised helps us to assist local youth initiatives, community projects, and international disaster relief efforts – proof that when it comes to helping others, we never duck our responsibilities!
Picture: Winners Bess, Belle and Archie pose for a picture with President Raj Dasan. Picture credit: Rotary Club of Canterbury.
