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OUR MAIN EVENT SPONSOR

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 2023 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 almost 30 years ago and based in Alresford, Hydrotech Services Limited is proud to support the Alresford Pigs Association.

The Pigs, Ducks & Ducklings Welcome You

Welcome from the Chairpig

Welcome all to the 21st biennial Alresford Pigs Duck Race!

An afternoon of fun, excitement and rather damp ‘Pigs’ in waders awaits! Remember you are placing your bets on which duck will win the race – not which ‘Pig’ will fall in the water first!

While you take in the beauty of the river and the idyllic setting, while you sample the food tents and slake your thirst at the bar, and while you smile at your children cheering the races, please remember this event only occurs due in no small part to the kindness and generosity of George and Janette Hollingbery, who lend us this beautiful house and grounds for the day They are great supporters of the Alresford Pigs and to whom we remain truly grateful

While this is a day of family fun and entertainment, please remember we are a charity dedicated to helping local people All funds raised today will go towards helping those in need It can be an embarrassing and stressful thing to ask for help, we understand this, and all enquiries are treated in the strictest confidence, by people who care, and are responded to with a willingness to help if at all possible Ask for help by calling our confidential helpline 01962 658961 or online at alresfordpigs.org.

The members of the Alresford Pigs are all volunteers, giving up their time freely to help others, and I would like to thank all of them for their unstinting hard work and inexhaustible goodwill I must also thank our sponsors Local businesses and individuals who have assisted us both financially and practically time and time again:

Hydrotech Services, The Hollingbery Family, Alfred Homes, Alresford Hearing Studio, Alresford Motor Services, Alresford Private Hire, Barnes& Liddiard, Billy Goat,Butler & Co, C E Evans & Son, Cedar Vets, Eliza Walker Barbers, Face Matters, Floor Covering Company Ltd, Four Marks Tools,Gibbons Taylor Solicitors, The Gleam Team, Godwins Solicitors, Hair Art, Hellards, Lockaway Storage, Martha Hollis Event Catering Ltd, McDermott International, The Naked Grape, Ragamuffin, Rawlings Opticians, Ritual,Sam and Nony KerrSmiley Independent Local Estate Agents, Shapla, Station Mill Gym, The Stow Family, The Globe On The Lake, The Swan Hotel, Wilcan, Winchester Auto Barn & Drivers Club Ltd and Winchester Blinds

Thank you to all, and to you dear visitor, welcome and please enjoy the day and, of course, may the best Duck win!

Sam KerrSmiley

Chairpig 2023

RULES OF THE RACES

Over 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

Place Your Bets!

The Ever-Popular Betting Tent

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

Race 1 The Eat, Drink & Be Merry Mile

THE PADDLERS

1 Newsnight Reader

By Hold't News

Owner: Alresford Forum

Trained by: Rit A. Bit

Back by popular demand from a strong local following in the Arle and Itch area, this rather older Mallard has good Formum Alresford?

2 Fidel Cigar

By Che Quackvara

Owner: The Hollingbery Family

Trained by: Raul Canal

Bit of a dark duck this one, has spent much of his time in South America, we think deep in the darkest lakes of Bolivia in a secret training camp One to keep a quack on

3 Watership Down

By South out of West Water

Owner: Hydrotech Water Services

Trained by: Dirk Waater

Been a bit slow lately after a sticky patch of training in Poole Harbour earlier in the year but appears to have oiled up well

4 Captain Wine Quacker

By Stopper out of Bottle

Owner: The Naked Grape

Trained by: Ill H.A.V.A.White

High Spirits may well be vintage but he’s still the nouveau beau to watch in this town Trainer White says don’t go home in the Red, this duck is a smooth Rosè.

5 Don't Judge Me

By Goodness Me! out of Hourly Rate

Owner: Godwins Solicitors

Trained by: A Clerk

Godwins prides itself as a leading local law firm rooted in its traditional values of honesty, integrity and personal service We are celebrating our 200th birthday in 2023!

6 The Nony Pony

By Bricks and Mortar out of Agents of Change

Owner: Nony Kerr-Smiley Estate Agents

Trainer: [Officially Untrainable]

Started out well in the Alresford Stakes, but shifted into a higher gear altogether when competing in the Winchester Gold Cup – quite the runner and one to watch out for!

7 Rawlings' Rocket

By Glasses Galore out of Aided Hearing

Owner: Rawlings Opticians

Trainer: A. Rawling

Ever the optimist this dryeyed duck sees well in the dark but can easily be blinded when it comes to examinations. He often contacts Len’s cleaners for advice. After hearing about the local races, this duck will be sure to be seen at the front of the pack!

By Lead out of Plug

Owner: Sparksalot

Barnes & Liddiard Electrical Contractors

Trained by: Meg A. Watts

After a shocking start on the Solent power chase she made a powerful recovery and is bound to provide an electrifying finish on the river today

9 Count Careful

By Garden out of Design

Owner: The Stow Family

Trainer: Pin Tof Perridge

Meet Quacktail, the life of the pond and the feathery mixologist Quacktail always knows just the right blend of water and loves to create the perfect splash When it's time to unwind, this duck loves to shake things up by trying out new combinations of pond water and feathers to create the ultimate floating cocktails

By Mo T. out of Tune

lcan Motor Company Owner:

Trained by: Lucas Redlight

After a recent tune up he has lost his spare tyre and is ready take the brakes off with not a squeak to be heard

- aka No Holden Back

Owner:

Trained by: Martin Aston

Delivers a great service when the going is tough, looking like a strong contender in the Classics Cup Winchester Auto Barn & Drivers Club Ltd.

By Capri out of Straight Eight

Owner: Winchester Auto Barn & Drivers Club Ltd.

Trainer: T Cutt

Not so good in wet conditions which could prove tricky today, but has the power under the hood when it’s needed

By Beamer out of DB5 Maddi - aka My Other Car's A Porsche

By Bug on the Windscreen out of Sticky Wipers

Owner: Winchester Auto Barn & Drivers Club Ltd.

Trainer: Jenson I.N. Terceptre

A veteran contender, somewhat overshadowed by more glamorous challengers, but has proven to have the ability to pull off a surprise – one to watch

14 Locksway

By Space out of Monkwood

Owner: Lockaway Storage

Trainer: Cara Van Store

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

15 Butler

By Spread out of Sheet

Owner: Butler & Co Chartered Accountants

Trainer: Greta Margins

This duck has his own excellent haven where he manages his bountiful stash of nest eggs, a sure bet for anyone ’ s money

16 Shutters Up

By Vertical out of Pleated

Owner: Winchester Blinds & Shutters

Trainer: Paul DownNightly

Has been known to have the occasional blackout, but after a roller blinding Venetian vacation he’s looking skylight for a vertical take off

Harri - aka Pedal To The Metal

Dog Friendly Event

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.

17 Sweet Meats

By Peeking Duck out of Canard

Owner: C.E. Evans & Son

Trainer: P. Orker Baily

Ewe can almost steak your chops on this little fowl doing offaly well When the chips are down will always fight for a plaice

18 Chèvre Foot

By Child out of Shoe

Owner: Billy Goat

Trainer: Pyg Mygoats

This horny capra always puts his best foot forward For the last 15 years he’s been measuring up to ensure a fitting finish in the races today

19 Got No Wrinkles

By Pretty Skin out of Colla Gen

Owner: Face Matters

Trainer: Nieve Y'Acream

Probably the best looking duck on the river today; with all the drakes looking her way she’s likely to take an early lead

20 Legal Eagle

By Insolvent out of Conveyance

Owner: Gibbons Taylor Solicitors

Trainer: Powerov A. Turnee

Recently court training near Warminster and will definitely not be brief on power and can easily solicit the odd judge in a competition.

21 Hearsay

By Implant out of Cochlear

Owner: Alresford Hearing Studio

Trainer: Ade Onear

I will say this only once over the ever deafening noise of the crowd, this duck will hear you no matter what, as long as his batteries are fully charged of course

22 Mucky Duck

By Maputo out of Milan

Owner: McDermott International

Trained by: Colin Grenville

This globe trotter has spent some of his time locked down languishing in Mozambique, but then again he has also lived the high live in Milan, although he is quick to stress it was all work and no play Let’s hope he can fly direct to the finish today

23 Ritual McDuck

By Shellac out of Little Bottle

Owner: Ritual - Alton & New Alresford

Trainer: X. Foliation

Has been gliding up the form lists with a perfectly manicured performance

24 Feather Duckstar

By Shine out of Grime

Owner: The Gleam Team Cleaning Services Hampshire Ltd.

Trained by: Dom Estic

What a shiner this is, just a bit of a dust off every couple of days and he comes up gleaming every time

25 Martha Duck

By Tasty Treats out of Bakes A Change

Owner: Martha Hollis Event Catering

Trainer: Flo R Fingers

Always found in the kitchen at parties this little duck is a proper little jammy dodger and it’s worth raising the stakes to win some dough on this one!

26 Stanley

By Woodworking out of Tools

Owner: Ben Paris - Four Marks Tools

Trained by: Sorby Chesterman

This is a truly collectable vintage duck, but don’t let the old tool fool you as he is often found getting welloiled with his mates Stanley and Norris.

27 Flora Quackers

By Under Lay out of Slipping Gripper

Owner: Floor Covering Company

Trained by: A X Minster

A good ‘ runner ’ that has been known to find himself in a deep pile, but good at coming back after finding himself on the mat.

28 Charlie

By Pets out of Home

Owner: Cedar Veterinary Group

Trained by: O.P. Erate

This little pet has four marks that distinguish him from the Alton variety He likes to plan ahead and be preventative in all he does even when doing dental consultations, you could say that he’s ultra sound

29 Hot Spice

By: All out of Poppadoms

Owner: Shapla

Trained by: Josh Rogan

Does his best on a windy day, a veteran of the vindaloo chase and can easily Bahji his way through to his Nans for a quick Chaat

30 Conﬁt Duck

By: Allly out of Ales

Owner: The Globe On The Lake

Trained by: Noah Parks

This globetrotting eider can trace her heritage back to the 15th century and is a bit of a gorilla spirit at times In her spare time, she loves nothing more than delving into some good Raimes

31 Fasten Your Seatbelts - aka 'Bubba'

By Big Tip out of Catch My Plane

Owner: Steve Cleverley - Alresford Private Hire

Trained by: Phil Herup

A very reliable runner Always sees you home safely and plenty of room for his riders – well worth a bet.

32 Hopalong Cassidy - aka 'Dixie'

By Steam Clean out of One Too Many

Owner: Steve Cleverley - Alresford Private Hire

Trained by: Baby Driver

Quick to pick up, with great acceleration, you won’t find this one at the back of a queue!

ORIGINS OF THE DUCK RACE

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

Who Are The Alresford Pigs?

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

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!

Race 1

Race 2

The Eat, Drink & Be Merry Mile Sponsored by The Swan Hotel

The Window Closio Classico Sponsored by Winchester Blinds & Shutters

Race 3

Race 4

Race 5

The Cut & Blow Champion Hurdles Sponsored by Hair Art

The Close To Completion Cup Sponsored by Nony KerrSmiley

The Mighty Meaty Mile Sponsored by C.E. Evans & Son

Race 6

Race 7

Grand Final

The Candid Classiﬁed Chase Sponsored by Eliza Walker Barber

The Sharp Intake Of Breath Stakes Sponsored by Winchester Auto Barn

The Crystal Clear Cup Sponsored by Hydrotech Services

Overall Winner & Grand Champion