A RALLYING cry has been issued to save one of the most important events on the Beccles calendar.The hugely popular Beccles Duck Race may not take place in 2010 if a new committee is not formed by the end of next month.

A RALLYING cry has been issued to save one of the most important events on the Beccles calendar.

The hugely popular Beccles Duck Race may not take place in 2010 if a new committee is not formed by the end of next month.

The 2009 committee has retired after two successful years at the helm, however only one group has expressed an interest in keeping the event going.

The Beccles Sea Cadets are keen to help but they do not wish to run it by themselves, and are looking for more groups to take part.

A meeting to form a committee will be held at the end of January, however if there is not enough interest the event could fold.

For the past two years it has been organised primarily by Liz Goldspink and Caroline Topping, with the help of local schools who have benefitted from the proceeds.

But after raising more than �12,000 for schools the pair have decided it is time for a break, and that other organisations should benefit from the lucrative event.

“It's been fantastic,” said Mrs Goldspink. “It's been a real joy to do but I think Caroline and I would both say that it has been exhausting as well.

“The schools have had a couple of good years and raised an awful lot of money. I'm surprised there hasn't been more interest. I really thought we would have had our hands bitten off for the opportunity. It's turned into such a big event.”

The Beccles Sea Cadets, who want to raise funds for a new base at the quay, are so far the only group to step forward.

However Loraine Loffstadt, chairman of the Beccles Sea Cadets, said that they would need at least another three groups represented on the committee as well as more helpers to do some of the work.

“It's a question of support it or lose it,” she said. “We can't run it on our own. It would be such a shame to lose it, I think it's imperative to the town. It's a good tourist attraction, it's good for business and it's a great deal of fun. It's crunch time.”

This year's race raised �6,844.75, which was split between eight schools in Beccles, Worlingham and Ellingham.

The committee would like to thank the numerous companies and organisations which helped to make the event such a success once more, including Crisp Contractors, Alex Moore Music Roadshow, The Beach, Hawkins Bazaar, Sea Cadets, Army Cadets, Barclays Bank, Beccles Business Association, Beccles Town Council, Beccles and Bungay Journal, Thurlow Nunn Vauxhall, Baileys, Quayside Conservatories, The Kings Head and the many shops who sold ducks.

If you are part of a group looking to raise funds, while ensuring the ever popular annual Duck Race continues in Beccles, telephone Loraine Loffstadt on 01502 716553.