13/06/13 ……Captain Ducky Gets Ready For Splashdown!

THIS Sunday (16/06) sees the return of Thame & District Round Table?s annual duck race, back in its usual slot on the morning after Thame Carnival.

Thame Round Table has confirmed that housewives? favourite (housewives have long been his favourite) Captain Ducky, will be back again this year. Having survived the perils of the high seas, defied the vengeance of Her Majesty?s Navy and dodged a couple of restraining orders, Thame?s answer to Jack Sparrow will be there on the starting line to entertain the crowds once more.

The only question remaining is how long he can stay afloat this time? The Captain?s boat, the Christopher (so called because it is made of pallets and because of his admiration for the work of estate agents everywhere), is not known for its seaworthiness. Last year the front half of the boat finished the race about 10 minutes after the back half.

Tickets are selling well and Thame Round Table hope to raise a healthy sum for the causes it is supporting this year: Making Waves For Alex, Thame Safari, Barley Hill PTA, John Hampden Nursery, Oxford School of Gymnastics, Thame Day Centre, CAB, Explorer Scouts, Air Cadets and Thame Netball Club, as well as the Mayor?s nominated charities for his year in office.

You can still buy tickets at the Town Council Information Centre in the Town Hall and at the Cross Keys pub. They will also be on available on the Round Table stall at Thame fete this Saturday, immediately after the Carnival. There will also be some available to buy at the start line on the morning of the race.

The race starts on the old town bridge, accessed from the bottom of Priest End, behind St Mary?s church. Gates open at 10.45am and the race will start at 11am.

SOURCE: Contributed by Jonathan Gardner
PHOTO: By Nick While