MEMBERS of a rotary club were grateful for good weather as it held its annual charity race to fundraise for a hostel.

It was a quacking display in the charity duck race held by Colchester Forum Rotary Club to fundraise for Colchester Engagement and Next Steps.

The event was part of the Colchester Hospital Radio fun day at Castle Park on Saturday, May 28. There were funfair rides and bouncy castles for children to enjoy and stalls were set up.

This year there were two races, a business duck race and a public duck race which were run concurrently.

Businesses were invited to get involved for £25 compared to the £1 fee for public racers.

Tony Dutch, forum duck race organiser said: “We had a great day and were blessed with good weather and managed to sell over 2400 ducks for our public race as well as 30 ducks for our business race.

“Many thanks to all those that supported us and we expect to raise around £2400 for the Colchester Emergency Night Shelter once the monies are sorted.

“We are indebted to Hospital Radio Colchester for allowing us to participate in their fun day.”

This was the first race in person since the pandemic, the previous two were held virtually.

Karen Thompson, forum duck race organiser added: “Also thanks to Colchester Canoe Club for ensuring that our ducks flow smoothly and are all recovered.

“The winner of the business race was Beaumont Seymour with duck 22. They win £250 to donate to a charity of their choice. 

“The public race winners were first place Jennie Collins who won £250 with duck no 1518, second place Roger Fitter winning £150 with duck 596 and third place Mick Potter who won £100 with duck 2564.”

Colchester Engagement and Next Steps was formerly known as the Colchester Emergency Night Shelter and has been supporting the homeless for more than 35 years.

For more information on the Colchester Forum Rotary Club visit bit.ly/3z7yglo and to support Colchester Engagement and Next Steps visit bit.ly/3PMe8Lo.