SOUTH SOMERSET NEWS: Missing – swim-away plastic ducks!

THE torrential rain of yesterday (Sunday, April 20, 2014) could have been described as “great weather for ducks” and so it proved – for the plastic variety!

The annual South Petherton Carnival duck race was held for the 14th year yesterday and around 1,000 yellow plastic ducks were sent on their way from Hele Lane, under the main St James’ Street and onto the finishing post at Silver Street.

Firefighters from Martock Fire Station were – as per normal – on hand to provide some extra water to help get the ducks going.

But there was no need this year with the heavens opening and the stream became a torrent as Mark Pearce, from the Brewers Arms, sent the ducks on their way.

The stream was racing so hard, however, that the “competitors” became the Usain Bolts of the plastic duck variety.

PHOTO - ABOVE: The duck race mascot is seen with winner Claire Bacon, right, South Petherton Carnival chairman Dave Williams and Brewers Arms' Nicki Grenville.

PHOTO - RIGHT: Mark Pearce, of the Brewers Arms, gets ready to send the ducks on their way at the starting line at Hele Lane.

Mark only had time to dash – in his car – from the starting point to the finishing post in Silver Street before the leading ducks headed for home.

A net had been put in place – as per normal – to catch the ducks and stop them from continuing along the stream.

But the water and ducks were going so fast that the net could not hold them and dozens of the plastic creatures broke through and continued – at pace – along the stream.

Now organisers believe that some of the plastic ducks may have gone all the way along the stream and into the River Parrett!

A spokesman said: “If anybody finds plastic ducks floating down the River Parrett – they belong to South Petherton Carnival!”

Carnival chairman Dave Williams said it was the first time that the duck race had suffered from bad weather.

But he hoped the event would still raise around £1,000 for Carnival funds.

Owner of the winning duck was Claire Bacon who took home the £100 first prize.

Results were as follows: 1 Claire Bacon duck number 989; 2 Ellie Leigh 375; 3 Courtney 389; 4 Jessica Wooton 112; 5 Sheila Semmence 832; 6 William Greatbatch 316; 7 Leah Padfield 89; 8 Ken Callow 244; 9 Abigail Key 1,279; 10 Pat Baggisen 986.

PHOTO - TOP: Plastic duck "owners" for the race were, from left, Faith, nine, Harmony, seven, and Kimber, five.

PHOTO - ABOVE: Members of Martock Fire Station were on hand for the annual South Petherton Carnival Duck Race and were glad of some Easter treats from the race mascot.

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