If you’re looking for something fun and inexpensive to do with the kids on Easter Saturday (April 4th), then why not head to Barnes Green for the village’s seventh annual Duck Race? This doesn’t involve real ducks, in case you were wondering; it is in fact a race between hundreds of bright yellow rubber ducks! Organised by the Barnes Community Association, the race takes place on Beverley Brook—the small stream that separates Barnes Green and Barnes Common—and helps to raise money for the local community.
If you get there early, you can purchase a duck to enter into the race, which starts at midday—ducks cost £5 and are all numbered. They are also for sale before the day in various Barnes locations, including the BCA’s headquarters in Rose House, and Hamptons International estate agents, who are sponsoring the event. Both are just across from the green. All participants are given a small chocolate Easter egg and the first three ducks across the line win a prize. If you don’t fancy getting into the competitive spirit, simply find a spot to watch the mass of yellow ducks float by (it really is a sight to see!). Just remember to dress appropriately as it may be muddy by the water. The ducks only have to float a few metres, which is lucky as they go at a rather glacial pace. My husband and I and our then-one-year-old went along last year, and I seem to remember a few of the ducks had to be helped along, especially those that ended up stuck in the reeds. It’s all a bit of light-hearted fun though.
As well as the race itself, there are a few other bits going on. Last year, our little girl was particularly taken with the live ducks, which had been brought from Hackney City Farm as an added attraction. They were safely contained in pens, so the children could get up close to look at them. There was also a human-sized duck to keep the youngsters entertained, plenty of balloons, and a stand where you could customise your rubber duck.
Of course, Barnes Green itself has a huge pond where many ducks, geese and swans reside, so you can also see an array of wild birdlife at the same time. There are lots of cafés and restaurants surrounding the green too, so you can grab a bite to eat afterwards.
Located in southwest London, Barnes is easily accessible by the 419 and 209 buses from Hammersmith Station—either of these routes stop right by Barnes Green. There are also two mainline train stations, Barnes and Barnes Bridge, both just a short walk from the green.
For more information about the event check out the Barnes Community Association’s website: www.barnescommunityassociation.org.
When: Saturday 4th April, 2015 | 12pm
Where: Barnes Green
About the author:
An Essex girl, Sue came to London 12 years ago and never left. She moved to West Kensington with her now-husband, then spent a couple of years living in Stamford Brook, before finally settling down in Mortlake. Prior to becoming a mum, Sue worked in TV production. She now stays at home, looking after toddler Tabitha and writing whenever she can.
