| Over an inch of rain the day before the event, ensured brisk flows in the river Darent for the annual Shoreham Bank Holiday Monday Duck Race. Ducks of many colours, shapes, sizes and designs arrived, eager to take to the water. After the award ceremony for the various design prizes, the crowd assisted with the usual countdown, triggering an eruption of ducks downstream. The early fast pace was slowed when the flock rounded the bend by the green, where they were greeted by a gusting headwind that spread out the field dramatically. Several ducks sporting a large surface area were actually being blown backwards (upstream), refusing all attempts to guide them in the correct direction - a few even elected to nest in the reeds for the remainder of the race. Elsewhere the leaders paddled duckterminedly on towards Mill Bridge where a capacity audience had gathered to cheer the winners home and encourage the trailing ducks across the finish line. Congratulations to everyone who took part – whether by designing, entering or simply cheering…….. and thanks to all who help on the day to keep this splendid Shoreham event afloat. Design Prizes 2010‘Frisby Duck’ crafted by Sophie Burrows from Dunton Green ‘Eve 2’ crafted by Graham Palmer from Shoreham ‘Captain Jack Sparrow’ crafted by Alphie Triggs from Shoreham ‘Fred’ crafted by Jasper Hollingworth Race Winners 2010First Place ‘Strickly Come Duckling’ trained by Somer Lawson from Shoreham Second Place ‘Duck a l’Orange’ trained by Jo Winder Third Place ‘Waste of Time’ trained by Robin Odell from Well Hill The Shoreham Society has donated the £255 raised at this year’s Duck Race to the ‘Restoring the View of the Cross from the War Memorial Fund’ The Duckmaster |
