Monday 1st January 2007 NYD 2007

This year the race was in perfect weather and under a blue sky with the river running well a 1000 ducks were released at Parrys Bridge at 12 noon. Groups of spectators and duck owners followed the race along the banks of the Rase to the next bridge at Naylors Drive. As the yellow plastic hoard appeared near the finishing line they were seeen to be pushing some 20 wild ducks forward toward the marshalls waiting to net the numbered mass. Avian panic ensued and the mullards being trapped between the two unknowns took to the air in frenzied flight as the first 3 ducks, 291 "Colin's Day ", 824 "Via Duck" and 710 "Mother" crossed the line. Very dramatic and difficult to stage, so much so that most of us missied Colin Pitman, the race organiser who had over stretched, tumbling into the river. A good photo if any one got it!

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Photos

1.Checking off the Ducks

2. They are away

3. Following the race

4. Wild ducks trapped

5 Final results

6. Rick and Allison are awarded their prises by at very wet Colin Pitman.

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The Middle Rasen Cricket and Association Football Club hold a duck race twice a year. The New Year's Day event, being a high spot in the Winter social calendar for the village and team supporters. Sponsoring a duck (yellow plastic and launched onto the river Rase) costs the owner just £1. With around a £100 as the first prize and sundry other prizes for the runners up and of course one for the last ducks. Its a fun event with a chance of winning something.

Monday 1st January 2007

Saturday July 1st 2006

This Summer's Duck Race was on Saturday 1st July with the first race at 6pm. Entry was free and all were welcome at the Middle Rasen playing fields. A choice of freshly prepared refreshments were available , all modestly priced. The weather was excellent and went some way toward comforting those who lost (and England demise in the world cup as the first race started too!). Pick-nicking families watched events unfold as complex bets were placed on what were most unpredictable ducks.

2006 New Years Day, groups assemble before the start in Low Church Road

There was a mad rush for ducks ate the road side, with Colin Pitman selling an additional 85 over the 1000 sold prior to the event, see picture top left.

With the weeks snow still melting off the Wolds, the Rase was too fast, deep, cold and traitorous to allow the safe recovery of the ducks named and taking part. However, the adjacent Brimmer Beck, being only a 100 yards further down Low Church Road, was quickly established as the race venue. The Beck Bridge in Low Church Road was the ideal meeting place and view point for a launch on the Rase's tributary.

Pictures left -

The group watch the preparation and release up stream, 1000 ducks

The finish was then set twenty minutes down steam before Brimmer Beck reached the swollen Rase. The whole race was able to be followed on foot by the many locals and visitors who came to witness the event.

Watched closely as they pass under the bridge at Low Church Road.

This year New Year's Day was a Sunday, so after Sunday service, Linda Patrick with her husband, the reverend Charles Patrick and family were surprised to see "Peking Duck", their duck number 800, going under the bridge toward the finish leading 556 and 265. Charles, the vicar of St's Peter & Paul Church came down in time to watch one family investment maintain its position and the three ducks stay just clear of the field. Needless to say with divine guidance the positions held.

Below, at Middle Rasen Church Hall other prizes are drawn

Bottom Left - The 3 leading ducks approach those waiting at the finish.

2005 GONE QUACKERS ~

Ducks on the River Rase thought they had gone quackers when a fleet of yellow plastic ducks invaded their space. The New Year revelry in Middle Rasen involved 970 plastic ducks being released in a money spinning exercise. Previously it had been cancelled - because there was too much water in the river.

Helen Pitman said that £775 had been raised for the Middle Rasen Football and Cricket Club from the sale of 970 ducks at £1 a piece. The £100 winner was K Stead's duck, S Harley gets £75 for coming in second and a duck bought by the barber family was third for £50. There were 27 other prizes and thanks to an anonymous donor three prizes of £10 were given to the last three ducks. Mrs Pitman said the committee thanked sponsors the Nags Head, Nigel Appleyard, Joe Lawson, Rasen Appliance Services and Park View Motors and all supporters.

In addition £165 was raised for the tsunami disaster appeal through the sale of mince pies, mulled wine and cookies baked by Tom Pitman - plus a donation from the football and cricket club.

2005 event report kindly provided by Jason Hippisley, Market Rasen Mail