Wimborne Duck Race returns after one year absence

As the first fundraising event to be held by Wimborne in Bloom since March 2020, the Duck Race was a welcomed contribution to the charity’s “somewhat depleted funds”.

Mayor of Wimborne Minster Cllr Kelly Webb was joined alongside the River Allen by deputy mayor Cllr Carol Butter, town crier Chris Brown and members of the Wimborne in Bloom committee.

The rubber ducks were launched into the river on Saturday afternoon, making a quick splash and dash with the first crossing the finishing line behind the Rising Sun pub in East Street in less than fifteen minutes.

The winning duck was co-owned by Sally Marley and four-year-old Charlie Buttler, who had been bought the duck by his dad Kieran. The winners both won £50.

Kieran Buttler with son Charlie, receiving £50 from Mayor Cllr Kelly Webb, Anthony Oliver, Chris Brown and Cllr Carol Butter. Picture: Christine Oliver

Georgina Arnold won £25 as her duck finished runner up.

Speaking after the race, Wimborne in Bloom chairman Richard Nunn said: “It really was a happy event, especially after the restrictions of the last 18 months.

“It was great to see all those smiling faces as people followed the race down the river trying to spot their duck.”

In addition to thanking the Co-op supermarket, he also expressed thanks to the Slocock Trust for the use of the bridge from which the rubber ducks were launched.

The next event hosted by Wimborne in Bloom is the Open Gardens Day on Sunday September 5.