Once again this year our main event sponsor is Hydrotech Services Limited.
Over the years, Hydrotech has become the first call we make when planning for the Duck Race starts in January. Their response yet again in 2021 was an immediate desire to support us with the initial funds we need to get the ball rolling.
It's hard to put into words what such generosity means to us, but without it we would struggle to meet many of the costs involved in staging the event. It allows us to take the bulk of other sponsorship and advertising sales, plus on the day revenue and make it available to the people of Alresford who come to us for help.
The Pigs are immensely grateful for their support over the years.
Hydrotech Services Limited manages water systems for various clients with a view to minimizing the risk of Legionnaires Disease.
We set up and maintain our HYDRO CLEAR WATER MANAGEMENT SCHEME in accordance with HSE guidance documents L8 & HSG274 for the control of legionella in water systems. This incorporates all necessary aspects from initial Risk assessment, primary and secondary recommended remedial works and planned preventative maintenance schedules including system cleaning and sampling.
Established over 25 years ago and based in Alresford Hydrotech Services Limited is proud to support the Alresford Pigs Association.
A very warm welcome to the Alresford Pigs Association Duck Race 2021
I am extremely grateful to George and Janette Hollingbery for allowing us to host the 20th Duck Race in the beautiful grounds of Weir House Please enjoy this stunning setting for our afternoon of racing and entertainment
The Covid Pandemic has been difficult for us all, leaving us unable to meet our loved ones and get together as a community Now, with the dark clouds of Covid lifting, we hope the Duck Race will give the people of Alresford the chance to get together, celebrating the fun and excitement of being together as a community once more
All proceeds from this event will enable the Alresford Pigs to continue supporting local groups and individuals in the Alresford area who are in need of financial help If you know of someone or some group that you think we might be able to support, please make contact via our website at www alresfordpigs org
An event such as this would not happen without our sponsors and we are very lucky to have businesses and individuals who are prepared to assist us both financially and practically:
Caracoli, Ragamuffin, Splash Clean, Winchester Blinds & Shutters, Wagglesworth Pet Shop, The Light Room, Nicky Wood Photography, Alresford Hearing Studio, Cedar Veterinary Group, Sam and Nony KerrSmiley Independent Local Estate Agents, Hydrotech Services, C E Evans & Son, Alresford Forum, Clevertouch Marketing, Wilcan Motor Company, Andrew Smith & Son, Gibbons Taylor Solicitors, Barnes & Liddiard, Butler & Co, Lockaway Storage, The Nutman Family, The Burrows Family, Oakleaf Stationary, Alresford Surgery, Charters, Pulpo Negro, The Horse & Groom, The Swan, Hair Art, Hellards, The Hollingbery Family, The Naked Grape, The Bell Inn, Moda Rosa, Design Realities, Shapla, The Stow Family, IVC, Hampshire Fly Fishing
I would like to thank all members of the Alresford Pigs Association who have helped organise and run the event today and I appreciate the time, energy and enthusiasm to make it all happen Finally, thank you for attending today and supporting our efforts, not just today but throughout the year and hope you have a fantastic day!
Jonathan Woods ChairPig 2021Over the course of the afternoon there will be seven main Duck Races with the Grand Final at the end
Races are run or paddled over a fixed course, (not fixed in the terms of the outcome, you understand). Spectators select the starting positions from out of a hat, the ducks are lined up in the gate by our highly trained ‘Quackatiers’, are placed under orders and are off Using only the flow of the water the little quackers swim their way to the finish
There are prizes for the owners of the winning ducks with 1st and 2nd places going through to the Grand Final
The Ducklings Race will be run early in the afternoon between two of the main Duck Races
All sponsored Ducklings will battle it out over the full course with the first 3 finishers winning prizes for their sponsors
There's so much going on at the Duck Race it's important not to forget to study the Form Guide and have a flutter.
Placing a bet is easy Simply head for the Betting Tent, grab one of our trusty volunteers and hand over the cash. You can then feel the anticipation building as the next thrilling race approaches Could you be the lucky winner of several pounds when your chosen quacker hurtles past the finish line?
The organisers accept no responsibility for foolhardy following of the tips given here, they are purely to help you dip a webbed foot in the water as you watch our wonderful paddlefest and maybe waddle away with some winnings
You’ve studied the form book and feel lucky Put your money where your beak is and back it! You could win £10 for 1st, £5 for second (please note that there is no payout for 3rd place) Use the form card to help you pick your winner for the final race
£1 Bet
1st wins £10
2nd wins £5
Final Race 1st only wins £10
The Ever-Popular Betting TentRace 1 The Flat White Flyer
Sponsored by Caracoli
Excellent coffee and tea, handmade cakes, savoury bakes, specialist foods, local cheese, wine, cooking accessories and foodrelated gifts
Race 2 The Blackout Hurdles
Sponsored by Winchester Blinds & Shutters
Supplying bespoke made to measure blinds, shutters and awnings for over 20 years
Race 3 Mr Chinnery's Handicap
Sponsored by Cedar Veterinary Group
Hampshire based veterinary practice, welcoming your pets & horses in need of friendly and professional veterinary care
Race 4 The Swift Sale Steeplechase
Sponsored by Sam & Nony KerrSmiley
Independent local Estate Agents selling property with honesty and integrity for over 25 years
Race 5 The Sirloin Sprint
Sponsored by C. E. Evans & Son
Quality, Service & Price The theory goes that you can only pick two out of three, but we are certain that we deliver on all three!
Race 6 The Candid Classified Chase
Sponsored by Nicky Wood Photography
Capturing memories that last a lifetime for families, individual portraits and newborn baby sittings plus business, passport and commercial needs.
Race 7 The Tinnitus Triple Crown
Sponsored by Alresford Hearing Studio
A truly independent family owned provider of hearing care to the local community
Grand Final - The Purifier's Flyer
Sponsored by Hydrotech Services
Hydrotech Services Limited manages water systems for various clients with a view to minimizing the risk of Legionnaires Disease.
A Quick Quackology of a typical British Racing Duck
By Steamer out of Clean Sweep
Owner: Splash Clean
Trained by: Dusty Bustead
Industrial strength Shoveler, really steams ahead on a clean run, no messing about Equally at home in all conditions and likes a tidy finish
By Inspiration out of Old Thunderer
Owner: Alresford Forum
Trained by: Rita S. Block
Packing a popular punch, this meaty Mallard is big news locally, with quite a following amongst Arle and Itchen racegoers Wanders a bit in the weed but can put on a turn of speed near the deadline
By Cleverduck out of Beetabee
Owner: CleverTouch Marketing
Trained by: Mark Itwinner
Enhanced training in automarketing technotactics means this Surf Scoter will cut a swathe throguh the jargon janglers to a finelytuned finish Won't hang around with the wind behind, she's far too clever for that
By Soresage out of Allsorts
Owner: C.E. Evans & Son
Trained by: T. Bone
A saucy number, won't mince around going for a poultry second plaice and likely to cleave through for a prime position especially if the steaks are high
By Driven out of Inspection Bay
Owner: Wilcan Motor Company
Trained by: Tony Swiss
After an undercarriage health check and some realignment, now firing on all cylinders and poised to polish off all comers Could go like greased lightning!
By Priced out of Bidding War
Owner: Andrew Smith & Son
Trainer: Hall Dunne
Always goes like the clappers once the crowd starts waving, this stillstunning old timer is a collector's item for sure with frenzied paddling a given until the hammer comes down
By Settled out of Court
Owner: Gibbons Taylor Solicitors
Trainer: Noah Winnofee
Caught soliciting business at a previous meet, has raced well with Barry Stir and was heavily tipped by Arthur Davit. Guaranteed to be well in control at the bar.
Live Wire
By Generator out of Power
Barnes & Liddiard Electrical Contractors
Trained by: Meg A. Watts
Always present, always reliable and a firm favourite when she turns up this fully recharged featherer will doubtlessly pull out all the plugs to secure a lightning finish A quick start to frazzle the opposition would come as no shock
Owner: Butler & Co Chartered Accountants
Trainer: Tex Haven
Get this Duck's number and you'll be in Seventh Haven. One of the safest places to put your money she's unlikely to tax herself too much and is guaranteed to give you a good showing
10
Owner:
Hydrotech Services Ltd
Trained by: Lee Jonair
Very fast off the mark when the water's murky this regular and muchappreciated racer will guarantee to fend off any emergencies from runs by the rest of the field if her class is called into question For the sake of clarity, these owners are a safe bet
11
By Shifted out of Garage
Owner:
Lockaway Storage
Trained by: Doris Shutt
This whizzbang of a weedster is safe as the Bank of the River, as long as she can lock on fast A good each way bet as long as she remembers her combinations and doesn't get caught by the Chubbs
Nutty Duck 12
By Straight out of Compton
Owner: The Nutman Family
Trainer: Hazel Nutt
Nutman by name, nutty by nature! Lived in Alresford since May 2014. Haz and Chaz at juniors Tim in Alresford Uke Jam, playing cajon (or banging his bongo as I call it!), two rescue dogs Peggy and Helen. I’m in charge of the crisp packet recycling (public collection point by Junior school gate)!!
By Knocked out of Depark
Owner: The Burrows Family
Trainer: Stan Dintall
Steph Burrows has lived in Alresford all her life and the family was all brought up here They love the traditional events held in Alresford that help to make it such a special place Kev pays tribute to his wife and three daughters who all have frontline jobs and have been so dedicated during Covid, never wavering.
By Flying Feltip out of Putty Rubber
Owner: Pat Voak of Oakleaf Stationery for Ian Voak
Trainer: Wes Street
Sponsored for our son Ian who was brought up in Alresford, a gentle giant loved by many. Two months before his Viking themed 30th birthday he sadly suffered severe brain injury due to an accident Ian now lives in a care home and we hope that his duck might raise quite a few quid for the wonderful Alresford Pigs who offered their help when needed Pat
By Furstup out of Loch Down
Owner: Alresford Surgery
Trainer: Goethe Clapp
No longer a lame Duck after extensive refits this old quacker has proved a good pacemaker on previous outings and of late provides a swift injection of liveliness to ensure you last the course
16
Owner: Charters Estate Agents
Trainer: E. Gytse
Classes herself as a real winner and likes to negotiate the field with an eye on closing the deal in record time Needs good instructions for a profitable finish and a smooth run
Definitely worth a percentage punt
By Tentadora out of Platopequeno
Owner: Pulpo Negro
Trainer: Viv Aespagna
After a quiet season last year, there's plenty on his plate this year so far, but great quality noted well on recent outings This delectable duck’s chipirones won’t stay a la plancha for long
By Shirefeathers out of Dray
Owner: The Horse & Groom
Trainer: Myn Zapinte
Fondly known as London’s Pride, this glorious little guzzler from the Wild River stud could stirrup a wake as he flies to the finish. Better without weed.
By Gert out of Marpub
Owner: The Swan Hotel
Trainer: Bessie Torbs
Doesn’t tolerate fools especially when it comes to closing, this feisty flier could cut a swathe through the reeds if the conditions are right and nobody interferes with her undercroft
Owner: Hair Art
Trainer: Bea Hive
This compact little crimper’s glossy coat really shines, and he can cut it when it counts Remains unbeaten in the Aveda challenge, and may well blow out the opposition with a permanent wave Worth a bob – or two
By Unwanted Guest out of Vacant Plot
Owner: Hellards Estate Agents
Trainer: Esther Mater
After a sticky start in 2020, 'Kerby' has shown fine spurts of speed this year and should be odds on for a quick sale this time out if you ' ve got the money to spend
Owner: The Hollingbery Family
Trained by: Cuba Leebray
Born and bred in Blighty but with strong ties to the U S , this welltravelled stalwart goes from strength to strength He'll be challenging on the Latin American circuit after this season so could be your last chance to see him in familiar surroundings
Owner: The Naked Grape
Trainer: M. Biber
Often parks herself randomly overnight if racing all day but has historically shown plenty of promise locally and always delivers With a nose for a clean, crisp finish this veteran of velocity will simply be remembered as 'vintage'
By Cork out of BottleOwner: The Bell Inn
Trained by: Stella R. Tois
Quiet last season but a regular at this local race, loves his food and drink which is often consumed abundantly resulting in a cripplingly large bill Better over two courses in quick succession
By Schulman's Choice out of Voeg
Owner: Moda Rosa
Trainer: Dee Ziner
This wonderful little Wigeon's perfect plumage slips throguh the water like silk, bound to be a glossy posse favourite and could turn heads if the price is right
By Ideaz out of Daycor
Owner: Design Realities
Trained by: Cristoff A'dressa
A stylish Shoveler, draws the crowds with innovative finishes, clean lines and precision paddling. Could be cooking up something special this year and looks comfortably seated for a win.
By Loose Missile out of Starfish
Owner: Shapla Restaurant
Trained by: Caroline Reeper
Tantalisingly hot and fresh from last month’s Delhi Derby, this vindaloo veteran could Bahji his way through to take his rightful place on the throne, as long as he doesn’t fall foul of the wind
By Fully Quackcinated by Route out of Lockdown
Owner: The Stow Family
Trained by: Jen Antonique
A firm favourite at many events this longtime racer is often seen streaking downhill to join the crowds Usually arrives first to the party unless she stops for a drink on the way!
By: Perfect View out of South Facing
Owner: Winchester Blinds & Shutters
Trained by: Roman Venetian
Likes stormy conditions after which she is frequently at her most active, this paddler always has a clear view of her surroundings and if required can batten down the hatches to concentrate fully on the job in hand
By: Smart Motor out of Juice
Owner: IVC
Trained by: Rev. D. Upp
Famously reliable with plenty of oomph under the bonnet, built for speed with streamlined looks this could become a classic racer as she's always outperforming the competition Frequents the Cornwall Racing Circuit but never misses the Alresford event
By Big Bottles outof Ship
Owner: Hampshire Fly Fishing
Trained by: Tasha Hoye
This veteran velocipeed is rarely out of the water come rain or shine, except for late evenings in the closed season when he can often be seen wandering aimlessly in the Gundleton area. Don't be fooled though, has a swift turn of speed especially when the bell sounds for the final lap.
By Syringed out of Necessity
Owner: Alresford Hearing Studio
Trained by: Hugh Jeers
Known to struggle in deep water this paddler uses advanced science to ensure a clear lead if the field is muddied Never distracted by the noise of the crowd or the other competitors this cautious canard's owner is relentless at removing wax which often affects her race waterproofing.
The Duck Race is a dog friendly event. Please ensure your furry friend is kept on a lead at all times and any poop is cleaned up quickly.
Watering holes for 4legged visitors can be found around the venue If you find an empty one, let someone know and we'll refill it straight away.
The origins of the PIGS Duck race are somewhat shrouded in the mists of time, but one or two Old Boars (former Pigs who can remember that far back) believe it started way back in 1993 when the races were held in the back garden of The GlobeOnTheLake pub
The primary reason for holding the races was prompted as always, by the desire to raise money for people in need who live in and around Alresford. It started as a modest affair, with just a couple of hundred people attending The races took place in Alresford pond, along the water’s edge of the pub garden with the sluice gates being opened to encourage a modest flow of water along the ‘ course ’ Many local businesses and tradespeople very kindly sponsored individual ducks and races and there was always frantic activity at the betting tent for each race.
By the turn of the century, the event had grown in popularity an the pub garden was fast becoming too small to accommodate the ever growing numbers attending. In 2001, George and Janette Hollingbery very kindly came to our rescue and offered the superb facilities of their home at Weir House which we still enjoy today and for which we will be forever grateful
The event is now enjoyed by several hundred visitors and includes other attractions for young and old alike, all of which helps PIGS raise a substantial amount for our local charitable causes The event is typically organised every other year, normally in June when everyone can enjoy a fun day out with plenty of excitement provided by the 8 races held throughout the afternoon
It’s a very good question, and with so many newcomers to Alresford over the past few years it’s one worth answering.
The Alresford Pigs Association started in the 1970s when a number of locals decided that they wanted to provide financial help for people in the town who needed it Since then hundreds of people and organisations have benefited from donations and support
We raise money by organising or contributing to community events such as:
• Taking entry fees, manning the gates & acting as security support at the annual Alresford Show
• Organising traffic control at the annual Watercress Festival
• Organising the biannual Duck Race
• Working with the Alresford Chamber of Commerce to erect, maintain and remove the town's spectacular Christmas trees and lights
• Working with the Alresford Tree Committee to organise the arrival of Father Christmas
We consider any request for financial support from within the town to local clubs, organisations, individuals and good causes – relying upon the local community to inform us where our help is required It is impossible to list all of the requests for help we have supported down the years, but these include:
• Organisations such as the scouts, guides, sports & youth groups
• Local schools for specific projects
• School children unable to pay for school trips
• Single families needing white goods
• Families who need support that cannot be provided by other services
• Mobility scooters – we have our own fleet!
• Park benches
• Senior residents events and activities
The Pigs are relatively small in number and all members either live or work in the town. With an emphasis upon participation & fun we welcome new members, with the membership process started by recommendation from any one of our existing members
We are always seeking needy causes to support so do you need our help or do you think YOU can help?
Email us: info@alresfordpigs.org
Phone us: 01962 658961
Over the years we have helped a great many individuals and organisations in Alresford and the surrounding villages. Many contact us afterwards to say thank you and update us with their progress. This correspondence is our reward for our efforts and reinforces why we do what we do.
"I cannot believe that you helped me or you even existed My counselling sessions are starting to make a difference "
"Thank you so much for sorting out our new carpets it has completely transformed our dull flat you guys are amazing "
"A very big thank you to the Alresford Pigs for your generous donation that paid for the coach to take us to Hayling Island. We all enjoyed our lunch at the Sinah Warren Hotel and walked in the lovely gardens We could not have made it without you "
"Thank you all so very much I will send photos of the holiday and [recipient] in his new wheelchair with a video You are all amazing!"
"Just to say a very big thank you for your kind donation towards our Summer Lunch, everyone had a lovely time "
Local Resident Local Family Senior Citizens Lunch Club Local Family Local Sheltered Housing Organisation
Over the years, many have attempted to win one of the fiercely competed Duck Races but only the truly great succeed. Only one will achieve ultimate glory each time and walk away with the glittering Grand Champion trophy We salute those who have gone before and triumphed
Study the form of the most mercurial Mallards throughout the day and get a feel for who stands the best chance of waddling away with the trophy in the Grand Final!
1st
2nd
Race 1
The Flat White Flyer
Sponsored by Caracoli
The Blackout Hurdles
Race 2
Sponsored by Winchester Blinds & Shutters
Race 3
Mr Chinnery's Handicap
Sponsored by Cedar Veterinary Group
Race 4
The Swift Sale Steeplechase
Sponsored by Sam & Nony KerrSmiley
Race 5
The Sirloin Sprint
Sponsored by C.E. Evans & Son
The Candid Classified Chase
Race 6
Sponsored by Nicky Wood Photography
Race 7
Grand Final
The Tinnitus Triple Crown
Sponsored by Alresford Hearing Studio
The Purifier's Flyer
Sponsored by Hydrotech Services
