Saturday, 22nd April saw the return of the Annual Winford Duck Race, organised by Winford Primary School PTA.

With many of the children from preschool and infants not having seen a duck race before, they weren’t sure what to expect. With 137 decorated racing ducks, face painting, glitter tattoos, an ice cream van, BBQ, cakes, a tuck shop, and the traditional “grand finale” race to end the day’s proceedings, they were in for a real treat! The adults weren’t forgotten either with the option to purchase a “Duck’s Fizz” at the bar.

Preparations started before the Easter holidays when the children at Winford Primary School and Preschool were invited to buy a large racing duck to name and decorate over the two-week break. Prior to race day, all of the decorated ducks were “judged” by Nik Gardner, the school Headteacher. There were ten categories including “Best Yellow Duck”, “Best Sparkle Duck” and “Best Famous Duck”. The children were then awarded certificates in a special “duck assembly” at school. The award for “Best Named Duck” went to “Beak-a-chu” – a cleverly named duck decorated as Pokémon’s famous Pikachu. The Award for “Best in Show” went to “Captain Quack Sparrow”, who also came first in his sprint on race day. The children also had their own opportunity to judge the best teacher duck! Always a tense time as the teachers awaited the results of the vote. It was a very closely fought competition between Mr Avraamides’ “Manducklorian” and Mr Gardner’s “Quakdonald’s Big Quack” duck – decorated as a burger complete with gherkins and a sesame seed bun! The Manducklorian won the children’s vote, but the Big Quack pipped it to the finish line on race day.

On race day, each duck was presented in all its glory to high praise from the crowds. The punters could then “place their bets” on which duck they thought might win each race, just like a day at the races – claiming their race winnings from the tote manager if they chose correctly. Whilst there were certificates and chocolate prizes up for grabs, the one thing that everybody wanted to get their hands on was a much-coveted golden duck!

There were 15 sprint races for ducks decorated by children in preschool through to year 6, a teacher’s race and even an alumni race for ex-pupils who wanted to join in the fun. Winford Church Choir entertained people during the half-time break - it really was an event for the whole community.

For Jude Parsons, the duck race is a particularly special event in the school calendar. He thoroughly loved each and every duck. In the week leading up to race day he sat and “protected” the ducks at school to make sure they all arrived at the races in tip top condition – earning him the “Top Duck Fan” award for Winford Duck Race 2023!

Winford PTA would like to say thank you to the residents, parents and volunteers who supported the day. They would also like to thank their generous race sponsors: Hunters Estate Agents, the Prince of Waterloo, The Crown at Regil, the Storage Station, Gilcrest Manufacturing, Winford Ford, Alcumus Safe Contractor, Angel Interiors, Nailsea Electrical and Valley Developments. All proceeds raised go towards funds for equipment and activities for the children at Winford Church of England Primary School. We can’t wait for Winford Duck Race 2024!