OUR annual duck day dawned warm and sunny – what a pity that this did not last to the end of the race! But everyone thoroughly enjoyed the day whatever the weather.

The highlight for several was the dog show – an innovation this year with many preposterous classes.

Lots of children helped fish the little yellow creatures from the river as they reached the finishing tape. And David Dickson rediscovered his youth wading the length of the course as back-up, and newcomers Paul and Mary also took to the waters of the Tipalt.

So many people, including some very impressive youngsters, came to help, with stalls, games, refreshments etc and we are all profoundly grateful to them all.

Duck day keeps the village hall afloat, to continue the watery metaphors, and Sunday showed just how important it is: after the merriment of duck day, the members of St Cuthbert’s Choir from Carlisle sought respite there before leading the choral evensong in the church that evening.

And by 8pm the music was playing for the old time dancers to step out as the dance club got under way. A versatile and vital village amenity indeed.

The young committee who organised the whole day deserve our thanks for a great effort, and I must mention one other hero – the fireman who stepped in to the hardest job of all – as judge of the dog show, when it was discovered the expected judge would not be there.

We alway love having the firemen, who in the past have managed to solve occasional problems as well as delight the children and reassure the grown-ups – but this was surely beyond the call of duty.

Of course, what everyone wants to know is who won the duck race itself. A total of 860 ducks took to the water, and the winners were Andy from Hairport, Brenda Neasham, Mrs Smith, Hazel Hamilton, the Berrys, Lucy McHanish, Mr Lancaster and Edna Hoggs. Two raffle prizes are unclaimed – blue ticket 213 M. Hall, and green ticket 50 Coulson.

Another very special event took place on the day – the cutting of Emma’s hair. As a breathless crowd gathered to watch, a full half metre was ceremoniously plaited and cut off, to raise money for the village’s charity for children in Malawi with cancer, and to be donated so that wigs can be made from it for similarly affected children here in the UK.

“I feel… lighter!” Emma exclaimed – and looks forward to fewer headaches from the weight of her hair, and to an extra five hours a week that will not be spent keeping it clean and brushed!

SUNDAY, of course, brings the Gilsland Show, at the field at Triermain. This will be no anti-climax after last year’s magnificent 100th anniversary as the show is clearly going from strength to strength.

Wonderful displays of local livestock and skills and our chance to support our farming community whose special day it is.

There’s entertainment and much to learn for all ages – and it’s a splendid demonstration of traditional values.

ON Tuesday evening there’s another of the verges walks organised by the South Tyne Sustainability Group to record the wildflower species in our roadside verges, gradually building up the evidence so that they can be protected as a vital resource for pollinating insects including our bee species. Full details of where to meet are on the STS website.

THE Hadrian Singers will be holding their annual merry singing afternoon at Featherstone Castle on Thursday, August 6, mostly songs of the sixties this year, and all are welcome – telephone Maureen on (01434) 322894 to book a place and for details of costs.