A crowd of spectators turned out to watch the unusual spectacle of 600 rubber ducks floating down the River Brue on Saturday (August 15th) when Burnham-On-Sea’s annual duck race was held to mark the start of the town’s sailing regatta… but things didn’t quite go to plan!
The race, organised by Burnham Lions Club, was due to begin in Highbridge, when several sackfuls of the yellow ducks were due to be freed into the water to float downstream on the falling tide before being scooped out at Burnham Sailing Club.
However, a sudden change in weather forced organisers to switch the start location at the last minute.
Organiser Andrew Bryant from Burnham Lions explained: “A strong onshore breeze picked up and many of the ducks were being blown up the river, rather than being pulled downstream by the falling tide.”
“We had to make the snap decision to move the start to Burnham Sailing Club’s pontoons, then give prizes to the owners of the ducks that had been blown furthest up the river!”
“Thanks go to those members of Burnham Sailing Club who valiantly mounted a rescue mission to recover the wayward ducks confused by the conflicting elements of wind and tide!” Andrew told Burnham-On-Sea.com.
The competition was won by Jenny Clarke of Woolavington, who won £100. Second prize of £50 went to Mrs Robertson of Burnham-On-Sea and third was Mrs S Allaway of Taunton, who won £25. The event raised more than £400 for worthy local causes chosen by Burnham Lions Club.
