WPC Waddington

13/06/2026

A huge thank you from Waddington Parish Council to the Waddy Ducks Committee.

Volunteers willing to organise community events are becoming harder and harder to find, so we’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has stepped up this year, especially those taking on these roles for the first time.

Waddy Ducks was greatly missed last year, and without this team’s enthusiasm and commitment, it simply wouldn’t be happening in 2026.

Thank you for helping keep this fantastic village tradition alive.

Before things get properly chaotic...

We wanted to take a moment to say a huge thank you to the amazing team behind the 2026 Waddy Duck Race and Scarecrow Festival.

This year's committee is made up of a brilliant mix of familiar faces and first-timers. Many of them have never organised an event like this before and have stepped up, rolled their sleeves up and learned as they've gone along.

Without these volunteers giving up their time, energy and sanity, there simply wouldn't be a Duck Race this year.

From duck sales and marketing to traffic management, stalls, scarecrow judging, sponsorship, planning and everything in between, they've all played a part in keeping this much-loved village tradition afloat.

Please give them a like, a wave, a thank you, or at the very least don't make their lives too difficult over the next few weeks. 😉

As you'll see from their official committee titles, professionalism has remained a top priority throughout.

Thank you all for helping make Waddy Ducks 2026 happen. 🦆💙

13/06/2026

There’s still time to enter this year’s Scarecrow Competition. Fill in this quick entry form.

Whether you’re aiming for funny, clever, topical or completely bonkers, we can’t wait to see what appears around the village this year.

🌾 Entry deadline: Friday 19th June
🏆 Enter here:

FOR WADDINGTON COMMUNITY ONLY We’re delighted to announce this year’s Waddington Scarecrow Festival theme: ⭐️ Pastimes and Hobbies ⭐️ Inspired by the 100th anniversary of The Reading Room, built by villagers in 1926 as a place for learning, recreation and community, and now known as Wadd...

13/06/2026

On this day in 2002, Waddington WI received a special response from Buckingham Palace after creating a unique tribute to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee.

The idea had first been discussed the previous summer, when members of Waddington WI decided they wanted to send the Queen a special congratulatory card to celebrate her fifty years on the throne.

Expert embroiderer Mrs Olive Fowden was asked to design and create the piece, choosing to embroider a picture of Waddington Coronation Gardens. The finished work was described in newspaper reports as an “exquisitely fine and unique tribute” to Her Majesty. The embroidery was complemented by beautiful calligraphy created by Mrs Jean Oldroyd.

Miss Hylda Emsden, President of Waddington WI, later received a formal reply from Buckingham Palace, complete with a handwritten note expressing how much the embroidery had been appreciated — something that gave members “great satisfaction.”

The tribute reflected both the pride of the village and the remarkable craftsmanship of local residents during the Queen’s Golden Jubilee year.

Do you remember the embroidered card or letter? or have any photographs of it? We would love to see them.

11/06/2026

One year ago, we dipped our toe into the world of Facebook…
Today, we’ve reached 600 followers.
But that's not an indication of engagement. Of the 361 likes and comments this week only 76 actually follow us.

We have to admit, when we started, we weren’t quite sure what we’d got ourselves into. Between navigating the Social Media Policy, GDPR, meeting regulations, and remembering not to accidentally post anything that requires three committee approvals and a public consultation, it’s been quite the learning curve!

Over the past year, we’ve shared parish news, council updates, village history, local events, road closures, community achievements, and plenty of reasons to be proud of our village.

If you’re reading this and you’re not already following us… what are you waiting for?

Now, if you’ll excuse us, we need to check this post complies with at least seven policies before pressing publish… 😉

10/06/2026

This evening at St Helen's Church Waddington, bell ringers gathered to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Lancashire Association of Change Ringers.

We had hoped to share the ringing live on Facebook, but it turns out that centuries-old stone churches make excellent Faraday cages, with virtually no mobile signal inside. Sometimes history wins over technology.

Representing St Helen’s were Tower Captain Anita Bater, Jack Rawcliffe, Robin Hatherell, Cllr Janet Greenhalgh, Cllr Moira Rawcliffe and Parish Council Chair John Rattigan, who helped mark this significant milestone in Lancashire’s bell ringing history.

The sound of the bells ringing out across Waddington was a fitting way to celebrate 150 years of change ringing and a tradition that continues to thrive in our village.

10/06/2026

The ringing at St Helen’s from 6pm on Wednesday 10 June forms part of celebrations marking the 150th anniversary of the Lancashire Association of Change Ringers, founded on 10 June 1876.

10/06/2026

A quick spring-cleaning audit has uncovered a mystery.

Our records say Waddington Parish Council has 9 litter bins.

We’ve located 5.

The remaining 4 are either exceptionally well hidden or have embraced a life of adventure.

If you’re out enjoying the sunshine and spot one, let us know.

The Great Bin Hunt of 2026 is on. 🗑️🔍☀️

10/06/2026

Around 25 volunteers gave up an hour of their time on Saturday morning to help tidy the churchyard of St Helen's Church Waddington. That’s approximately 45 hours of work contributed by local people.

At a typical gardening rate of £25 per hour, that’s the equivalent of £1,125 worth of work donated back into our village.

A huge thank you to everyone who came along and got stuck in. Your efforts have made a real difference.

Thank you also to those who couldn’t be there in person but have already made a donation to help keep the churchyard maintained. Every contribution helps, and it’s never too late to support the cause.

For anyone who would like to make a one-off donation or set up a small monthly contribution, the details are below:

Account Name: Cutting It Fine Fund
Sort Code: 09-01-28
Account Number: 83607485

Special thanks to Waddington Village Watch for issuing the call to arms and helping bring the community together.

Together, we can ensure this special place remains cared for and cherished for generations to come.

10/06/2026

We’re looking for donations of tombola prizes for our Family Fun Day on Saturday 27th June.

All proceeds from the tombola will go to support the Friends of WWB Primary School, helping to fund activities and opportunities for local children.

If you’re able to donate a prize, however big or small, it would be greatly appreciated.

Donations can be:
📍 Dropped off at WWB Primary School, or
📍 Left at The Old Dairy, Carter Fold Farm

Thank you for your support. Every donation helps make the day a success for our community and school.

09/06/2026

Why not get outdoors and enjoy some fresh air with our friendly Up & Active Ribble Valley walking group this Friday?

Volunteer Christine will be leading a 4.5-mile circular walk around Waddington, taking in fields, quiet country lanes and beautiful local scenery.

📍 Meet at 2:00pm at Waddington Playing Field Car Park on Twitter Lane.

The route is mainly flat, although it does include one ladder stile and a couple of brook crossings, so waterproof footwear is recommended.

To reserve your place go their page and let them know or email [email protected].

Everyone is welcome.