Buckingham’s Duck Race 2024 is Complete!

On Thursday, 15 August, The University of Buckingham’s Duck Race took place on campus for the first time since 2019. The tradition was started in the late 1990s, but had a break during Covid. Now it is back – with a new, sustainable, element to it!

Rather than decorate the ducks, children and adults were invited to draw pictures, which were judged by the Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Professor Harriet Dunbar-Morris, the Dean of Business, Humanities & Social Sciences, Professor Deba Bardhan-Correia and the former Chair of the Friends of the University, Mr Graham Barker. The winner in the under-12 group was Daisy Janes, and the winner in the 12+ group was Eri Matsuoka.

Entertainment was provided by the student band, whilst the OTM Bar and Refectory were open for refreshments.

As the Play in the Park event for the town was held in Chandos Park that day, a good number of families from the town came to join in. It was fantastic to see such a large group of town and gown on campus once again.

The Duck Race took place from 1pm with a running commentary from the Vice-Chancellor, Professor James Tooley – interspersed with plenty of duck jokes!

The money raised from the event has been divided between two local charities – The Buckingham Young Carers group, and The Buckingham Youth Clubs. Both groups received just over £100 which will help towards the events they arrange to support children in Buckingham.