HUGE crowds lined the banks of the River Wey in Gostrey Meadow last Saturday as the popular Farnham Duck Race, organised by Farnham Weyside Rotary Club, returned in bright sunshine.

There was plenty to keep people entertained while waiting for the races to start. Totally Hooplass showed off their skills with hula hoops and persuaded plenty of passers by to join in. The children were kept entertained by the giant slide, bouncy castle and the roundabout.

Potters Gate School PTA was kept busy face painting and there was plenty to eat and drink, including duck-shaped biscuits. Business was so good that the Girl Guides’ burger stall ran out just before the final race.

Many Farnham organisations manned stalls in the meadow. Farnham ASSIST, the main local beneficiary of funds raised on the day was there, as well as last year’s chosen charity, Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice. In addition there were more than 20 other stalls raising awareness of their activities.

Racing started at noon, with the first heat launched by the Mayor of Farnham, Pat Frost. The wind was in just the right direction to help them complete the course in only five minutes - a record. The Herald sponsored the event, and the second heat was started by managing director, Scott Wood.

The ducks continued to race and entertain the crowds all afternoon, with the final race held at 3pm. The winner of the final race was Ray Southon of Shalford, who has already received his prize.

The winners of the individual heats are: A141, B141, C242, D242, E242, F242, G 290, H290,  I258, J258, K174, L174, M174, N165, O165, P165, Q297, R297, S297, T264, U264, V264, W77. The duck racing team at Farnham Weyside Rotary Club will contact all the winners with the good news.

The funds raised almost equalled last year’s record figure. The charity to benefit this year is Farnham ASSIST, which offers support to older people in Farnham who may be isolated from friends and neighbours.

Some of the money will also be allocated to a medical centre in Iragua, Tanzania, where a group of Surrey and Hampshire Scouts are helping to equip their maternity centre.

Duck master Mike Yeadon from the Rotary Club of Farnham Weyside expressed his thanks to the Farnham Herald for its support of the 29th Farnham duck race.

For more information about Farnham Weyside Rotary Club, see the website, www.farnhamweyside.org.uk, or contact the secretary, Andy Fewster, on 01252 795169, or by email at [email protected] .