Sunday, 21st of September 2003 saw our first Duck Race & Gala at Cannon Hall Country Park, at Cawthorne, just outside Barnsley off the A635 (see the map below).

All proceeds went to Bluebell Wood Appeal, to help build this Children's Hospice on the outskirts of Doncaster. Their own website at www.bluebellwood.org has full details of how this hospice will support children with life-limiting illnesses.

Attractions and entertainment throughout the day...

• a Tai Kwondo demonstration by The Lee Chee Kin Club
• a Dog Show open to Heinz and Pedigree Chum alike, fun classes for all ages
• an Archery demonstration by Birdwell Armoury
• Northern Image, South Yorkshire Young Singers Choir and The Roicin Irish Dancers entertained
• a display of Falconry with the Birds of Prey by Wath Animal Rescue and badgers from Badger Rescue
• not to be forgotten, Ferret Roulette with the Fearless Janet!
• Fun on the Coconut Shy, you could get your Face Painted and your Hair Braided, have a Donkey Ride, watch Punch & Judy, see the Magician and the Clowns!
• We'd Go-Karts from Avago, a Bouncy Castle and Slide, Kiddies Rides and other Fairground attractions.
• Among the 40-odd craft and trade stalls, Team Roberts displayed their top motorbikes, the Embroidery machine stall built you a T-shirt, and the Pastures Garden Centre explained the difference between Ilex and Ulex.
• Refreshments were available from the Lions Den Food Tent, along with Burger Vans, Round Green Deer Farm with their Venison stall, Candy Floss and Popcorn, or take-aways from the Cake Stall and (if you were lucky) the Bottle Stall.

Entry to the Gala was free (Cannon Hall's car parking charges only to pay).

The Gala was a great day, and as a result, we donated £2,200 to the Bluebell Wood Hospice appeal. Bluebell Wood's own stall there raised an extra £178.

Big thanks to all the people who helped by lending equipment, giving their time and energy, or just turning up and spending money!

The 2004 Duck Race Gala, again at Cannon Hall with a similar broad range of attractions, was held on the 5th of September. We raised £2,000 for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance Appeal.