A popular local 'Duck Race and Children's Model Boat Race' made a long-awaited return to Crewe over the weekend - following a three-year absence.

The 25th 'Annual Community Duck Race and Children's Model Boat Race' took place on Saturday (September 10) at the Joey the Swan recreation ground, Wistaston.

It was organised for the first time since 2019 - due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Start of Duck Race in Wistaston Brook (Jonathan White).

The event was organised by volunteer members from the Wistaston Community Council village events team and Wistaston Memorial Hall.

Main sponsor of the event was Plumb Stone Surveyors,

The Caddick Construction team, currently building the new office for Radius Payment Solutions at Crewe Business Park, teamed up with their supplier Alpine Hire to provide the generator and fuel to power the ever-popular candy floss stall.

Cockshades Farm also provided a trailer to transfer equipment between Wistaston Memorial Hall and Joey the Swan recreation ground. 

Start of Children's Model Boat Race in Wistaston Brook (Jonathan White).

The event was officially opened by Wistaston Rose Queen (Emily Edge). Emily, aged 11 from Wistaston, crowned by Revd Mike Turnbull at St Mary's Church, Church Lane, in June. 

Emily also helped to judge the Best designed children's model boat competition.

She also setup and staffed her treasure hunt & plant stall to raise money and awareness of her chosen charity this year, the DEC (Disasters Emergency Committee) Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.

Emily said: "I am honoured to be the Wistaston Rose Queen and am really enjoying my time in the role.

"I hope to raise lots of money for my chosen charity over the year. Thank you to everyone for their continued support."

Wistaston Rose Queen Emily Edge on her fundraising stall (Jonathan White).

43 model boats were entered into the Children's model boat race and a record 1,000 plastic duck race tickets were sold and entered into the Duck Race.

A one-minute silence was observed in tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II prior to the first race, the Children's model boat race, following her death aged 96 on Thursday (September 8).

There were numerous stalls featuring local charities and organisations, selling an assortment of goods or advertising their activities.

Refreshments were available from the Local Scouts World Jamboree fundraising team. 

Around 1,000 people attended the event, which took place in warm and dry weather.

Best designed children's model boat, judged by Andrea Cross - Wistonian of the year 2021 and Emily Edge - Wistaston Rose Queen (Jonathan White).

Here are the results in full:

a) Best designed children's model boat, judged by Andrea Cross (Wistonian of the year 2021) and Emily Edge (Wistaston Rose Queen):

• 1st – 'HMS' by Eva who won £10.
• 2nd place – 'Ozzie Doggie' by Harriett & Tom.
• 3rd place – 'Queen Elizabeth' by Phoebe & Chester.

b) Children's model boat race:

• 1st – 'Ozzie Doggie' by Harriett & Tom who won £10.
• 2nd place – boat by Zac who won £8.
• 3rd place – 'Congo Queen' by Oliver who won £6.

c) Duck Race (1,000 tickets sold):

• 1st – No.796 – Tina who won £100.
• 2nd – No.46 – Jessica who won £50.
• 3rd – No.658 – Henry who won £25.

There was an enthusiastic commentary on both races by Dane Chaplow (Chairman, Wistaston Community Council).

Wistaston Conservation Group stall - lr - Pete Baskerville and Dave O'Hara (Jonathan White).

A representative from Wistaston Community Council said: "We are mourning the passing of Her Majesty the Queen who reigned for 70 years and is the only monarch most of us have known in our own lifetime.

"The Queen has been a part of the life of our country for so long that we maybe didn't imagine it would come to an end.

"Wistaston Community Council was first set up by the people of Wistaston for the Queen's Silver Jubilee celebration in 1977 and we have been organising our village events ever since.

"The Queen in many of her speeches spoke of the importance of a sense of community and, after a difficult couple of years with the pandemic, it is important that we did our little bit to help the community come together."

Proceeds from the event will go to the funds of Wistaston Community Council, Wistaston Memorial Hall, and several local charities. 

Best designed children's model boat - 'HMS' by Eva (Jonathan White).

The Wistaston Community events team always welcomes new members to help organise its Wistaston village events.

This includes the Flower and Produce Show (August), Fireworks Display (November 5) and the December Christmas Concert.

READ MORE: New takeaway and restaurant planned for Crewe on busy food stretch.

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