News

LONG SERVICE AWARDS PRESENTED ON DAY OF DUCK RACE

Plastic ducks in a box ready to enter the competition

The ducks wait to be launched down the river

Friday 1st August 2003

On 30th July the annual duck race took place. Long service awards were presented on the same day. Students Eileen Voss and Sebastian Deppe report on the day:

"To participate in the duck race event a cute yellow duckling had to be purchased and creatively dressed by each participant. We decided to organise a wedding for our two little ducks and in town we found enough things to style our loving duck couple for their wedding. After about an hour the ducks had a tailor made suit and wedding dress and were ready for the race!

"...it was a great sight watching 100 little ducks trying to find their way to the finish line"

Duck race participants

On the day of the race all participating ducks (and their owners) met in front of the Mill to listen to the Mike Lucas guitar duo, eat a delicious barbecue and to observe potential competitors. It seemed that the racing ducks were less excited about the whole event than their owners but while the judging for the best-dressed duck took place one could feel tension in the air.

People had gone to great trouble and there were Chinese ducks, police ducks and many more which made it hard for the jury, consisting of Keith Jansz (local artist) and Ken Shing, to find a winner. After long consideration the surprising result was that our two little ducks were the winners. The first prize was a voucher for dinner for two at the Chengdu Chinese Restaurant, sponsored by Ken Shing.

After the best-dressed duck competition, the race took place. All the ducks were put into the river and it was a great sight watching 100 little ducks trying to find their way to the finish line. The winner received a prize of a ticket to the Battle Proms Concert at Stowe.

Following the race the Vice-Chancellor presented long service awards to those members of staff who have worked at the University for 25 years. Receiving their awards on the day were Shirley Phillips (Catering), Doreen North (Management Department) and Mike McCrostie (Economics). Unable to attend, but also receiving awards, were Jane Ridley (Biography), Irving Stevens (Law) and Derek Whitehead (Buildings & Maintenance). Our congratulations go to them all."

Report by Eileen Voss, Sebastian Deppe and Anne Matsuoka