THE Rotary May Fayre and Duck Race took place in Okehampton on Sunday in the beautiful setting of Simmons Park. The event was proclaimed a huge success in the warm weather, with the highest attendance ever. After weeks of preparation, Rotarians selling duck tickets at £1 each, the day dawned bright and sunny. Town mayor Tony Leech declared the event open at 2pm and the first race was at 2.15pm. The river was flowing quite quickly and the ducks made record time over a slightly shortened course. They were followed by the hardy ?duck herds?, Ian Courtenay and Don Bent, both managing to keep their feet! The duck catchers Tony Cloke, Terry Hoar and Brian Hutchings did a good job but even so there were several run-away ducks that needed to be retrieved from downstream, some by a dog, before they could be recycled to the start by Bob Horsley. No one got past the gate without Bob Ray and Jerome Twomey selling them a ticket for a duck or a raffle. The proceeds were then collected by the treasurer Eric Chowings. The winner of the £100 for the first race was Caroline Ash, the second race was Mr Hamlyn, and the third race was B Stead. The town band played on the grass in the middle of the throng and was really appreciated, receiving many compliments for its programme and smart new uniforms. It was a real town fayre with the opportunity for local groups to run stalls and raise funds and enjoy the entertainment of the bouncy castle, target golf, face painting, skittles and other games. The very popular hot dog stall run by John and Lillian Rattenbury ably assisted by Rosa Horsley and Denis Mills was in great demand and made good money. The club paid tribute to Bob Horsley for all his hard work in preparation and on the day ? the final profit was the highest yet of more than £2,000. Okehampton Rotary Club is grateful to the following sponsors for their kind help: Duck Race, B Thompson and Sons (Transport) Ltd; Stones, Solicitors; Simpkins Edwards; Gregory Distribution Ltd; White Hart Hotel; R W H Ltd; Stoneylynk Insurance; Bob Gee Insurance; Bob Gee and Co ?Team? Estate Agents; Cheltenham and Gloucester, Ink Print Ltd, Okehampton Glass; Heinz Frozen and Chilled Foods; Peter Peter and Write, solicitors.
