25th July 2011

SIDMOUTH: Lion's Duck Derby a swimming success

This year’s Great Duck Derby, Sidmouth Lions Club’s biggest annual charity fundraising event, went smoothly last weekend with Lion President Chris Rignall saying it was fun and successful in raising big sums for local charities.

Thousands of little ducks bobbed down the River Sid last Sunday, as crowds thronged the banks along the Byes to cheer on their hoped-for winners. Other ducks kept their tails dry but were carried on spoons in the ever-popular duck-and-spoon races, with events for adults and children.

The net profit from the main duck race was just over £3,400; £1,600 of which will be donated to CLIC Sargent, the children’s cancer charity, a further £1,600 will go to Nightstop (Devon), the Exeter-based charity that provides overnight accommodation for temporarily homeless youngsters, and the remainder will go to Sidmouth Lions charity activities.

Lion President Chris Rignall said “Sidmouth Lions Club would particularly like to thank the Hoteliers and Publicans in Sid Valley and also the Management of Sidmouth Co-op and Lidl stores for allowing the Lions on their premises to sell tickets for the yellow duck race. A very big thank you must also go to local residents and visitors to Sidmouth who have supported this year’s Great Duck Derby by buying the duck race tickets and coming to the Byes last Sunday to support the events. The Lions Club is very grateful to Cadets from 2019 (Sidmouth) Squadron Air Training Corps for their help last Sunday with marshalling the ducks along the River Sid; also last but not least, thanks to Sidmouth St John Ambulance members who turned out in force to ensure that, had there been any ‘quackcidents’ they could be promptly dealt with!”

Winners of the main yellow duck race are: 1st prize of £400 to Mrs Paula Hennessy from Bedminster, Bristol, 2nd prize of £100 to Mr C Gill of Sidmouth and 3rd prize of £75 to Mrs Ann Capom of Sidmouth.

PICTURE: And they’re off - Hundreds of yellow ducks dive into the River Sid at the start of the Sidmouth Lions Club Great Duck Derby.