Ducks in Trowbridge

3 July 2009

The latest from our regular correspondent from Trowbridge.  John Kelly writes with news of the parish’s support for a new neighbour. 

A raised planter outside the presbytery at St John the Baptist Catholic Church in Trowbridge has become home to a nesting duck. Arriving some five weeks ago, the planter, 1.2 metres above the ground and measuring only 300mm by 1200mm proves that location, location, location is everything.

The duck has been well cared for by parish priest Canon Liam O’Driscoll who has welcomed his new neighbour with open arms. Despite the odd choice of location the duck seems quite at home, although it has caused quite a stir amongst parishioners who think it’s a secret weapon to help scoop the top prize at the next Trowbridge in bloom competition. However, Maurice Cottle and Margaret and Brendan Rolph of the parish gardening team promise nothing quakers is going on.

During the incubation period the female has shed her fine feathers from her belly to line the nest where nine eggs are being nursed. She has many visitors, from parishioners to people using the busy parish centre and she’s a particular attraction to the children of the community. Everyone wishes the duck a fruitful hatching which will take place soon.

We’ll keep you updated.

Other parishes in our diocese play host to feathered visitors as cliftondiocese.com reported from St John the Evangelist in Bath. 

John Kelly