September 21st 2008

 Great Yarmouth Duck Races 2008.

The ninth Annual great Yarmouth Haven Duck races took place at The Waterways, Great Yarmouth under lovely cloudless skies with a very large crowd in attendance.

As usual some members were there early setting up the course and getting organised for the afternoon event. This year Selwood pumps placed some water features in the water to enhance the outcome of the result and make sure Duck Marshall Alan Spinks got thoroughly wet as well !

Norman Bailey as previous years did a grand job of selling more ducks on the day and this year was a record as more than £800 was taken.

Once again the Mayor of Great Yarmouth started the races with the ever present compeer Richard Delf on the "mike" with an exciting commentary.

Thanks go to all the Haven members that helped on the day and the International Committee for the work leading up to the day's event.   ( Press Report & results below )

Ian, David, Bob and Alan setting up the course in the bright sunshine.

The selling gazebo, Ian and Norman at the PKF sponsored Tantalizer, and David trying hard to keep his balance.

Alan getting ready for first race; some Members waiting anxiously and President Robert looking after the Mayor.

Nearly ready at start; the water fountain feature, a great hazard for the ducks and Ted hoping the tanoy works ok.

David at the finish of first race, and Alan under the bridge with the waterfall feature.

Photos Alan Spinks and Bill Cooke.

Press Report

9^th Annual Great Yarmouth Duck Races – organised by Great Yarmouth Haven Rotary Club.

 Over 1000 people relaxed on a sunny Sunday afternoon last weekend, to enjoy the 9^th Annual Great Yarmouth Duck Races.

 A fine display of powered model boats gliding over the Waterways preceded the main events.  

His Worship the Mayor resplendent in red robe and chain and accompanied by the Lady Mayoress, started the first race which was sponsored by SPP Group and in which 2500 ducks surged over the line propelled on a tide of water created by Selwood Pumps.  

This was followed by the Corporate Duck Race sponsored by PKF, which saw over 200 larger birds representing local firms keenly competing for the corporate prize.

The final race of the day sponsored by Potters Leisure provided a thrilling finish with the lead changing hands many times before a very tight finish.    

 Rotary guests from Thailand and Iowa, USA joined in the fun and to see how things are done in Great Yarmouth.  All agreed that” it was a quacking good afternoon’s entertainment.”

 Richard Delf, Chairman of the organising committee announced that over £7000 had been raised from this year’s which would be distributed to charitable causes. He said: “These charities would be carefully selected by Club members over the next couple of months. We are mindful of our duty to ensure that public donations are well spent. We like to gain maximum bang for buck (sorry)duck! Next year we hope to have a special celebration to mark our 10th Duck Race Anniversary, and we shall hope to break the £50,000 barrier for total funds raised to date from this extraordinary event.”  

Results

Green Race sponsored by SPP Group

1^st        Craig le-Picq from        Great Yarmouth

2^nd        Paul McIntyre               Northampton

3^rd        John Samuel                 Downham Market

Corporate Race sponsored by PKF

1^st        Sheldon Shops            

2^nd        Winterton Valley

3^rd        Bartholemew’s Jewellers

Yellow Race sponsored by Potters Leisure

1st        K. Noon                      Great Yarmouth

2^nd        Lewis Martins               Ormesby

3^rd        Yvonne Ling                 Great Yarmouth