Telford's Christmas market is quacking as giant ducks return
People are set to go quackers one more time as three of the much-loved giant ducks return to Telford for their final outing of the year.
The ducks, which were part of the Let’s Go Quackers art trail and the Telford50 celebrations, have appeared in Southwater once more to play their part in the town’s Christmas celebrations.
Looking as colourful as ever, the ducks are featuring at the Christmas market as an idea brought forward by Telford & Wrekin Council to round off the town’s 50th birthday year.
Julie Ward, organiser of Lets Go Quackers, said: “We wanted to end the year on a real high and we were very lucky that the three forever homes of the ducks were more than happy for them to come back to Southwater.
“The initial idea came from the council, as the ducks have been such a great success through the spring and summer months out on display.
“The public engaged so well and loved them so much we thought it would be a wonderful idea to have them make a guest appearance to celebrate Christmas and the end of Telford’s birthday celebrations.”
Mr Darby, Peace Duck and Coalbrookdrake – now owned by Paul Martin Homes, Press Red Rentals and MKM Building Supplies respectively – are the three ducks back on display.
The ducks, created by a group of volunteers, fetched more than £30,000 for good causes at an auction earlier this year, and with ongoing donations, have now raised about £36,000.
“We thought we’d be saying goodbye to the ducks at the auction but that certainly wasn’t the case, we’ve got future plans that involve them still to come,” added Julie.
“We’re eternally grateful for everyone’s support and the team at Let’s Go Quackers wishes everyone a very merry Christmas.”
All money raised will go to Severn Hospice and the Jayne Sargent Foundation.
