The Easter Duck Race has been a regular event at Willsbridge Mill for the last five years and has become hugely popular. This year four separate races were held on 11 and 12 April and tickets were all sold out long before the start of each race. Hundreds of plastic ducks were released upstream into the Syston Brook, starting at the bridge and progressing to the Mill. Visitors could follow the progress of their duck from a path above the brook as the ducks made their way to the Mill. Every duck had to be accounted for and a team of volunteers in wading gear followed the progress of the ducks until they reached their destination by the Mill building where a net had been strung across the width of the stream to collect the ducks.
This year, in addition to the race, there were attractions with food stalls, games and face painting for children. There were also stalls selling gifts and original art from local artists. We were pleased to welcome Puddle the duck from Puddle Ducks Swim School who delighted the children.
Pauline Lovell