WILLSBRIDGE MILL DUCK RACE
For many years now an annual duck race has been held at Willsbridge Mill during the Easter break. The duck race is a very popular event and this year, in order to spread the number of visitors, and to give everyone a greater chance of winning a prize, the event was held over two days, with four races in total.
Before the event the flow rates in the Siston Brook have to be measured to ensure a sufficient flow and that the flow is not too rapid. Then volunteers walk the route of the brook to ensure there are no objects to disrupt the ducks. Then the race is ready to begin. Each plastic duck has a number and the ducks are emptied into the brook to begin their journey downstream. Visitors can run the course of the event on the footpath at the side of the brook. The finishing line is at the Mill where more volunteers are ready to catch each duck. The winner is the first over the line.
Great care is taken to find each of the numbered ducks to avoid any plastic being left in the brook.
For each race there were first, second, third, fourth and fifth prizes from cash prizes to Easter Eggs.
