A CLOUDY start did not prevent people coming along to Bourton on Saturday to enjoy a family day out with duck racing by the green. The successful event for North Cotswolds Rotary Club raised a total of £1,000 to be split between the club’s four principal charities for this year - Winston's Wish, the charity for bereaved children; Carers Gloucestershire which provides support and advice for carers when they need it most; Stow Disability Association (covering the North Cotswolds), and Building Malawi which provides buildings for use as libraries and schools in that country.

It was a fun day out for visitors from many countries including India and Israel, Lithuania and America, to name just a few, and many passers-by stopped for a chat and a punt on the ducks and tombola.

“It is our first visit to England,” said Matt Gilan and Gilad Schenker from Israel, “And we our really enjoying our five days in the Cotswolds.” Matt and Gilad’s duck won the race at 2.30pm, for which they received a winner’s certificate and a £5 prize, proof that both adults and children entered into the spirit of the event and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Children seemed to have as much fun choosing a duck with their lucky number as they did watching the ducks float lazily down the River Windrush on what turned out to be a lovely sunny afternoon.

“Numbers were a little down on last year,” said event organiser Bob Hadley, “But having fun for a day and at the same time raising £1,000 for charity makes the effort well worthwhile.” He thanked all who came to support the event, and particularly Sue Hadley and Janet Prout for their help with ticket sales, and also visiting Rotarian Ronnie Wright, president of Coatbridge, Airdrie and Monklands Rotary Club in Scotland, who was on hand to help when needed throughout the day.

“I have enjoyed my involvement with North Cotswolds Rotary Club,” said Mr Wright, “And this event shows what we can do for our local communities when we all work together.”