Duck Race

On the 22nd April the Rotary Club again joined forces with the Llantwit Major Interact Club based in the local Comprehensive School to raise money for two worthy children's charities.  LATCH is a charity that supports the children who are receiving treatment for cancer at the Children's Hospital for Wales and their families.  Ty Hafen offers comfort and support for life-limited children and young people and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for the whole family.

The two clubs organised a duck race on the river running through the meadows near Llantwit Major beach.  Hundreds of numbered plastic ducks, which had been sold to family, friends, visitors and other supporters, were tipped into the river and held back for the official start.  The prevailing westerly wind meant that the ducks were put into the water close to the cafe and then, when released, floated up river a hundred meters or so to the finish.  Rotarians and Interact members were on the river banks with long sticks to free ducks that became stuck.  Bravest of all were Dr Tom Carnduff (Rotary) and Sam Pickford (Interact) who wore waders and actually stayed in the water for the duration of the race and helped retrieve the ducks at the end.

Neville Farthing, President of Llantwit Major Rotary and Lauren Peet for Interact were on hand to support the event and even to sell last minute ducks to a number of enthusiastic spectators.  The final figure is not yet known as money is still coming in but the organisers are confident that each charity will benefit by several hundred pounds.  The winners of the fastest duck were two children, Catherine and William, living in the Caerphilly area; they will receive £100 between them.  Anyone wishing to learn more about membership of either of the service clubs mentioned should contact Rotarian Jeffrey Robinson on 01446 793932 or Interact's Sam Pickford at Llantwit Major Comprehensive School.