Race helps fund town Jubilee event

ORGANISERS of a bank holiday duck race managed to raise more than £700 to help fund Whittlesey’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

Despite the inclement conditions, a big crowd gathered at Bower Bridge - by the Hero of Aliwal pub - to cheer on hundreds of tiny yellow plastic ducks as they made their way along the water.

The winning three ducks were owned by Mrs B Wiles (number 129), John Garnett (number 673) and Ralph Butcher (number 500).

To promote the race Jacquie Baldrey, a member of Whittlesey Town Council’s Diamond Jubilee committee, had been dressing up as a duck around the town.

Mayor of Whittlesey Cllr Kay Mayor said: “I would also like to give my personal thanks to the Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, Peter Wright and his father from the Whittlesey Venture Scouts, Whittlesey Street Pride and last but not least Whittlesey St John Ambulance, without whom this race would not have taken place.”

The £700 proceeds from the race will now be put towards the big Jubilee bash at the Manor Leisure Centre on Monday, June 4.

Events include an heritage food festival and concert.

successful day: Crowds gather to cheer on the small plastic competitors taking part in the Bower Bridge duck race.