Spills and thrills at annual Henley Duck Race
THERE were spills and thrills everywhere you looked when the annual Henley Court Leet Duck Race to place on the River Alne last Saturday.
It maybe an occasion enjoyed by all generations but once the 700 ducks are tipped from the bridge all bets are off and its down to a fair wind, the flow of the river and a lot of duck luck which is why duck 631 purchased by Sam Rowland was proclaimed this year’s duck race winner followed by Ivy Stokes, aged five who finished second.
To make sure there was no fowl play at this year’s event, Greg Jones and Jasper Pegrum donned waders to become the official brook lookers – a key task which involves the smooth transition of every single duck from start to finish so none get left behind or snagged in weeds.
At the end of the day everyone’s a winner and the £600 raised on Saturday will go to the Henley Guild Hall roof restoration appeal which needs to raise the roof with a target of £120,000. It was launched last September with high expectations and an amazing £100,000 has already been achieved.
“It was a great, family fun day and the duck race is a traditional part of the annual Henley Court Leet assizes on Saturday when we visit businesses to taste the ale, meat and bread on sale in the town. In keeping with tradition we had guests from neighbouring court leets in Alcester, Warwick and Bromsgrove. The people of Henley are still raising money for the Guild Hall roof which was last replaced in 1915 and we hope to reach our target by the end of the summer,” said Jonathan Dovey, the steward of Henley Court Leet.
