Dromore Nursery marks year’s end with another quacking event

Donald Duck puts in an appearance at the Dromore Nursery School end of term Duck Race.

Among other things it was a year that saw the school raise £1,300 in aid of the Paul Russell Trust, a year of recognition for the nursery’s health promotion programmes, a year holding out the prospect of a third Green Flag eco-award and a year that saw 78 children move on to local primary schools.

“We now look forward to starting all over again,” said principal, Mrs Sharon Beattie, after Saturday’s years-end highlight, where, in tandem with a performance by pupils, she highlighted many of the key events of the preceding 12 months.

Mrs Beattie also presented 10 recorders to music teacher Mrs Patricia Hamilton to take along on her upcoming mission trip to Kenya.

The duck race itself was reportedly another exciting affair, local firefighters and anglers Ross Russell and Michael Shanks wading in to help speed the ‘competitors’ on their way.

The children’s Race was won by Duck number

Ella Graham’s number 11, Kirara Duck, swam out the winner, with Tyler Sofley-Gallagher’s number 40, Tyler Taz Duck, in second place and Zoe Kennedy’s number one, Daisy Duck, third.

The prize for most original name went to Oliver Heanen for ‘Quacker Jack’.

Louise McConnell’s Duck number 377 won the general race, with Isaac McConnell’s duck number 372 second and Jamie Rushe’s duck number 359 third.

The winning business Duck was Moundview Service Station’s Donald Duck.

Mrs Beattie thanked the many who helped make the day a success, among them Dromore High School, Dromore Angling Club, the local Fire and Rescue Service, Dromore Red Cross, the school governors and staff, the children and their parents.

Local businesses supported the event with sponsorship totalling more than £330.

“Once again,” said Mrs Beattie, “we were overwhelmed by the community support and good will that this event generates each year.”

Despite having marked the year’s end, Dromore Nursery School has lined up a few fun events to ease into the holidays, including walk in the park, morning of Magic, a safety day, a musical movement day led by the Patricia Hamilton School of Music, a physical activity day at Dromore Leisure Centre, a visit from Phil’s Farm and a Crazy Colour Day.