A staple in the Whitworth calendar, the Annual New Year’s Day Duck Race returns in 2011. Taking place as usual at Cowm Reservoir at 1pm on New Year’s Day, the event is expected to be as popular as ever – in 2010, the event saw over 800 ducks sponsored, with around 250 people attending on the day. The Duck Race is organised jointly between Whitworth Town Council’s Tourism and Leisure Committee and CLAW (the Community Leisure Association of Whitworth).
For those unfamiliar with the concept, you ‘sponsor’ a numbered yellow rubber duck for £1.00, which is then entered into the Duck Race. The first one across the line wins, with cash prizes for first, second and third place ducks of £75, £50 and £25.
Councillor David Chorlton, chair of the Tourism and Leisure Committee, says: “For those who have not been to the Whitworth Duck Race in the past, the sight of hundreds of yellow rubber ducks heading swiftly downstream really is a sight to behold! This has always been a popular event in the Whitworth calendar and, judging by the sale of the ducks so far, 2011 will prove to be no different.”
The Duck Race on Saturday 1 January 2011 kicks off at Cowm Reservoir at 1.00pm. You can sponsor a duck now – sponsor sheets are available at the Whitworth Council Offices and the Riverside (Civic Hall), from Whitworth Town Councillors. You’ll also be able to sponsor a duck on the day.
For more details, contact Karen Douglas, Town Clerk at Whitworth Town Council, on 01706 852018 / email: info@whitworth.gov.uk, or visit www.whitworth.gov.uk.
