The Big Walsall Waddle
21 duck models, decorated by local groups and businesses are hiding out at locations across Walsall.
Can you find them and discover what they have all been up to?
You will find them in your local libraries and leisure centres, in shop windows and stadiums!
Will you find all of them this summer?
The Big Walsall Waddle has been created by Walsall-based arts charity RicNic to celebrate their 21st birthday this year. RicNic offers free, creative projects throughout the year for children, young people and families. Find Out More
Download The Big Walsall Waddle Trail Map
| Host Location | Duck |
| New Art Gallery Walsall | In 2 colour arts – Dippy |
| Walsall Youth Hub – Our Place Saddlers Centre | RicNic Bright Sparks – Quackers McSparkle |
| Walsall Arboretum Visitor’s Centre | Canal River Trust – Bubbles |
| Walsall Leather Museum | Ricnic History – FeatheRED Astaire |
| Walsall Library – Lichfield Street Hub | Walsall Wheelbarrow Co – Ozzy |
| Walsall Football Club Shop | The Getting Fit company – Dizzy D |
| Brownhills Community Association | Brownhills CA – Louie The Lamp |
| Manor Farm Community Association | Willenhall In Focus CIC – Diversity Duck |
| Manor Farm Community Association | Manor Farm – Manor McDuck |
| P.O.P Shop, Saddlers Centre | Walsall FC Foundation – Jamille Quack |
| Brownhills Library | Youth Connect – Fred |
| Bloxwich Library | RicNic MT Duck – Jonathan |
| Streetly Library | Halve – Qualve |
| Aldridge Library | Places of Welcome – Sunny |
| Darlaston Library | Family Hub Duck – Flora |
| Willenhall Library | Kingley Performing Arts – Dazzle |
| Oak Park Active Living Centre | Toddle about Town – Mother Quacker |
| Bloxwich Active Living Centre | Chemique Adhesives – Ductor Gluella Bond |
| Walsall Gala Baths | Walsall Youth Hub – Dotty |
| Darlaston Swimming Pool | RicNic Ignite Duck – William Duckspeare |
Get Involved
Short Story & Design A Duck Competitions
Closing date – 9th September
Write a duck-themed story or design your own duck model for a chance of winning one of our prize hampers! Duck templates available to download soon! Email your entry to [email protected] (with your name, age and contact details). Winners announced at MakerFest on 13th September.
Download The Duck Design Template
Big Waddle Duck Awards
Saturday 13th September – Walsall Makerfest
See all 21 ducks together for our big finale, where our judges will award rosettes for Best Dressed Duck, Best Duck Name and more. Find the RicNic marquee on The Bridge, Walsall!
Discover the Ducks
Bubbles
Bubbles loves travelling the waterways making new friends as she goes. She loves to watch the wildlife on the tow paths and give a cheery wave to houseboat owners and daytrippers on their canal barges. Her favourite foods are duck pellets, oats, peas and sweetcorn. She really does not like eating bread as it gives her a tummy ache.
The Canal & River Trust
Bubbles has been sponsored by the Canal & River Trust, the headline sponsors of The Big Walsall Waddle. As the UK’s largest canal charity, their role is to protect and revitalise the nation’s canals. They look after 2,000 miles of historic canals and rivers including 2,970 bridges, 1,581 locks and 281 aqueducts. Through their website you can find out more about the amazing stories behind our canals, explore the wildlife that call them home and find out how you can help to support and protect them for generations to come.
Community Artists
Bubbles was decorated by many artists across the community who helped to add to her shiny bubble coat. Thank you to Lyla, Phoebe, Tilly, Mila, Lilah, Jenson, Olivia, Chloe, Phoebe, AJ, Scarlett, Ella, Nesh, Clarice, Piper, Betty, Amy, Aiysha, Dexter, Esmie, Shola, Isabelle, Aurora, Rose, Tahlia, Faith, Logan, Amelia, Amber, Katie, Aria-Rai, Isabelle, Skyla, Freya, Lily, Daisie, Tommy, Dolcie, Arthur, Sara, Eevee, Arla, Ellis, Martha, James, Dennis, Harriet, Seth, Georgina, Louise – Mayor of Walsall, Annette, Steve, Abi, Rose, Josh, Suzie, Ellie, Carrie, Connie, Darci, Emma, Freya, James, Mandy, Eliza, Jacob, Amelia, Max, Oscar, Jacob, Andrea, Connie, Wendy Morton MP, Neo, Esme, Connor, Minie, all those who did not leave their name and the children at Springfields Bright Horizons Nursery.
F(eathe)red Astaire
Created by RicNic
Start spreading the news….he’s leaving today! Feathered Astaire is a born showman who just wants to be on the stage. Ever since he was a little egg, he has been tapping and singing his way through life. He even tapped his way out of his shell with a 5,6,7,8! He dreams of being on a stage with his top hat and cane in the West End AND on Broadway.
RicNic is an arts charity based in Walsall, which aims to give children and young people the chance to showcase their creative skills and ideas. Set up by young people in Winchester following their GCSE’s, for the first 20 years RicNic hosted musical theatre productions which were entirely produced, directed and performed by 16-21 year olds. Today RicNic continues to include musical theatre in their programme, but also includes a range of other creative projects ranging from performance to design. F(eathe)red Astaire has been created as a thank you to the hundreds of the young people who have participated in RicNic’s musical theatre productions over the past 21 years, many of whom are now working in the theatre industry.
Find out more here.
Dippy
Created by In2Colour Arts
Poor Dippy gave his feathers away. He found a baby bird who had fallen out of her nest so he gave his feathers to keep her warm. Since then he has been visiting lots of places across Walsall, asking people to help paint him some new feathers in bright colours.
Thank you to everyone who helped Dippy feel feathered again.
In2Colour
In2Colour Arts lead art and craft workshops in the community for children, adults and the elderly. They support art projects in schools, hospitals, youth clubs and care homes and are available to book for craft parties for all ages.
Find In2Colour online at:
Facebook: In2Colour Arts & Crafts
Instagram: @In2colour
Dizzy D
Created by The Getting Fit Company
One day, a little duck named Dizzy D found himself waddling alone through Walsall, feeling a bit out of place. Dizzy D loved to move – but not in the flashy, fast kind of way. He waddled. He flapped. He sometimes stumbled. But no matter what, Dizzy D kept moving.
Dizzy D met a group of friendly people who invited him to try something new: walking cricket. He thoroughly enjoyed himself and wanted more, so he started walking football. He wanted to try a new way to exercise, so tried chair-based exercise. It wasn’t about being the fastest or the strongest. It was about getting involved, having fun, and feeling better in his body, mind and spirit.
Dizzy D had found his people – a community where everyone belonged; whether they had arthritis, dementia, diabetes or just hadn’t moved in a while.
And just like that, Dizzy D became a symbol of movement, inclusion and hope.
The Getting Fit Company
The Getting Fit Company delivers accessible sports and fitness programs to improve physical, mental and social fitness. We work with older adults through walking cricket and walking football, and support people with dementia and other health conditions. Our chair-based exercise sessions cater to those with limited mobility. We also support adults with physical and mental disabilities, and help children develop their fundamental movement skills. Our goal is to create inclusive, empowering environments where everyone can benefit from the power of movement; regardless of age or ability.
Find out more about The Getting Fit Company online: www.thegettingfitcompany.co.uk
Louie The Lamp
Created by Brownhills Community Association
We are a community enterprise providing a range of services for the local area. We work with partners to provide support, education, recreation and leisure facilities for the general community in Brownhills. Located in the old Central Schools building opposite the Brownhills Miner statue, there is free parking and disabled access, making our venue ideal for a variety of events and activities.
We are home to Little Green Dragons Day Nursery, Street Riders, The Lamp Foodbank and more. The Theatre/Function Hall, known locally as The Lamp, regularly hosts a variety of shows and concerts. Pop in and say hello!
Find out more about Brownhills Community Association at www.brownhillsca.org.uk or on Facebook.
Meet Louie…
Louie loves getting involved in everything that is going on in the Community Centre and the local community!
He has been having fun in the Little Green Dragons Day nursery, playing with the toys and equipment outside. He has helped the other volunteers in the Lamp Food Bank, joined in Daisy Creative’s Sewing and craft group, played bowls with the resident bowling club, Joined Molly at her Dancing Class and Chris at her over 50’s Fitness Session. Louie has also been to the see Spotlight’s production of Godspell with the Managers and Members of the board! Louie has helped Dr Bike fix cycles during his free bike check session at the centre, been to see the Book Exchange at Pelsall Village Centre and also join in the staff meeting!
And it’s not just activities at the Community Centre Louis has been getting involved in! He has become quite the star himself locally after a visit to meet Jill the Community Champion at Tesco and Alison over at Brownhills library. Find him on Facebook to discover all his adventures!
Louie came to Brownhills via the Wyrley & Essington Canal, or The Curly Wurley as it’s known by locals! He had quite the journey getting here on the winding route that forms part of the Birmingham Canal Navigation but made it from Rough Wood Nature Reserve as he wanted to see what happens outside of the pond and headed to us at Brownhills Community Centre!
Qualve
Created by Halve Ltd
With his iconic Hi Vis jacket and hard hat, Qualve has been busy getting to work across the West Midlands, from laying cables to driving forklifts. Qualve likes to travel and loves a trip to the café with Steve. He is scared of heights and the dark, but likes cars and art. Qualve wants to travel the world as far as he can. He has not been far, just in Walsall so far, but he is eager to get out and see the world. Unfortunately his passport did not arrive in time so he missed out on a trip to Spain!
Check out what he got upto over on Halve’s instagram account below…
Halve Ltd
High and Low Voltage Engineering Ltd are an electrical installations company. We have a dedicated team of SAPs, Electrical engineer’s, Jointers, Fitters and skilled Improvers. Our services include, LV and HV equipment supply and installation, COMA service agreements, containment and installation, PAT and TEV testing. We have a great history of customer satisfaction, old school service and values that put the customer first without compromising on new regulated guidelines.
Find out more online at www.halve.org.uk or @halveltd
Sunny
Sunny was worried about leaving his siblings, moving from his small pond into new and different ponds and wondered if he would find friends and kindness along the way. He decided that he would try the 39 Places of Welcome in Walsall (and some further afield) to see if he could find friendship and kindness there and at every new place he found much more than that! Each place held a special meaning for him and that meaning became imprinted on him – literally – as each group shared what their own ‘ponds’ meant to them and made him welcome.
As he moved from place to place he took away those sentiments with him and soon became a bit of a superhero, with his newly found confidence, and his Places of Welcome badge emblazoned on his chest like Superduck – he was soon able to let everyone in Walsall know about Places of Welcome and to help others make new friends too! Now Sunny likes making new friends and trying new activities, he also like cups of tea, biscuits and cake!
Places of Welcome
Places of Welcome aims to create a network of safe places where people can connect, belong and contribute. There are now nearly 1000 venues, rapidly spreading to other villages, towns and cities across England and Wales from its West Midlands base, with 39 registered in Walsall alone!
One of the goals of the movement is to help build a network of places in each area, where you can make friends and meet people, and can be in any location accessible to the public, including churches, mosques, temples, community centres, housing associations, libraries and pharmacies, even community gardens!
Each one is open to anyone and each one follows the following values:
- Place: An accessible and hospitable building, open at the same time every week.
- People: Open to everyone regardless of their circumstances or situation, and usually staffed by volunteers.
- Provision: Offering free refreshments (at least a cup of tea and a biscuit) and basic local information.
- Presence: A place where people actively listen to one another.
- Participation: Recognises that every person coming to a Place of Welcome will bring talents, experiences and skills that they might be willing to share locally.
Find out more about Places of Welcome:
https://www.lichfield.anglican.org/powwalsall
https://www.facebook.com/StrengtheningOurCommunities
Manor McDuck
Created by Manor Farm Community Association
Manor Farm Community Association is a registered charity based in Rushall. The organisation exists to provide a wide range of educational, recreational, leisure, social and cultural activities, and services for the people of Walsall. We run supportive and inclusive community projects including the Silver Service for older people, employability support and Making Connections Walsall, which is there to support lonely and isolated adults of all ages. We love to welcome visitors to our centre, why not pop in to say hello and find out more!
Find out more about Manor Farm Community Association at: https://www.manorfarmca.com
Like many people, Manor McDuck came to Manor Farm because he was feeling lonely and isolated. He was seeking support, connection and new opportunities. He is now feeling much happier, his wellbeing has improved and he is looking forward to lots of future adventures.
Ducktor Gluella Bond
Created by Chemique Adhesives & Sealants Ltd
Chemique Adhesives is a trusted UK manufacturer of industrial adhesives and with a history spanning for four decades, has been at the forefront of providing industry-leading adhesive solutions whilst delivering first class service and support to its longstanding customer base.
Gluella is a doctor but she doesn’t take herself too seriously. You can often find her down the arboretum on the weekend with her pals, pinching bread and other bird feed, waking the park keeper up in the early hours of the morning by quacking on their doorstep. She loves to get her hair coloured on a monthly basis. As you can see she loves ALL the colours. With her 9-5 job of testing glues and other sticky stuff, she’s scared that one day she’ll stick her bill shut!
Gluella always wanted to be a footballer and dreamed of playing for England, but the thought of playing with an actual “lioness” terrified her so she gave up that dream and trained to be a glue ducktor.
Retirement is only a few years away and Gluella is ready to put her wings up and get herself an airbnb in the south of France. Her favourite food is cheese and quackers and if you can fetch her a mug of tea, she’ll have milk and two sugars!
Jamille Quack
Created by Walsall FC Foundation
Walsall FC Foundation is the club’s official charity, with the aim of changing lives through football. We deliver over 30 projects in the local community, across the key themes of Education and Enrichment, Sport and Participation, Health and Wellbeing, and Engagement and Inclusion. Walsall FC Foundation currently engage with participants from 3 to 91 years old, from a range of backgrounds, across the Borough and beyond.
Find out more about Walsall FC Foundation online at www.walsallfcfoundation.com or @wfcfoundation_
Jamille Quack just loves scoring goals, it’s his favourite thing in the world! He hates when he is injured or can’t play football! After growing up in Walsall as a little duckling, Jamille Quack spread his wings to play for a number of football clubs across the land, before heading back to play for his hometown team – Walsall FC! After a big journey to bring him back home, Jamille Quack wants to stay in Walsall and take his team to new heights!
Mother Quacker
Created by Toddle About Town
Toddle About Town is an open view children’s role play centre and cafe in Bloxwich. The ultimate play destination for children under 5, we believe in creating a magical world where little ones can explore, learn and have fun in a safe and engaging environment. Our play centre is designed with various activity corners that cater to the imagination and curiosity of your children, making every visit an adventure. The centre features a sensory Street, Duplo Corner, Toddle Farm, Toddle Gym, Toddle Gardens, Night Club and Toddle Garage, all with sensory and interactive elements to bring on development and learning.
Find out more about Toddle About Town online at www.toddleabouttown.co.uk or @toddleabouttown24
Mother Quacker loves to mother and watch over the children while they play. She is very wise but very glam. Rocking her rollers, robe and slippers, she is always comfy and ready to waddle.
Quackers McSparkle
Created by RicNic Foundry – Bright Sparks
Nobody really knows how Quackers McSparkle got to be so sparkly! Quackers was just a normal, average duck for a while. Legend has it that one day, as they were swimming down the canal, they came across an old treasure chest. What a lucky duck! Opening it with their beak was not easy and they put it on the canal bank to reach it. As they opened the lock, the whole chest fell into the canal, covering Quackers in gemstones. The rest of the treasure fell into the water and sank. From that day on, Quackers became known as Quackers McSparkle and has lived a life of glitz and glamour ever since.
About RicNic
RicNic runs a free, creative after-school club called RicNic Foundry during term time, which offers young people the chance to try out many different creative activities.
RicNic Foundry currently runs at Manor Farm Community Association, Rushall on Fridays. A new club will start in Bloxwich on Wednesdays from September.
The Bright Sparks group is for ages 5-10 years. They spent 3 sessions adding all of the individual sparkles to their duck!
Places are available for the new term on a first come, first served basis. Find out more here.
Jonathan Quackly
Created by RicNic Foundry – Comets Group
Jonathan Quackly is a music guru who spends his days listening to all kinds of music. He styles himself in a different way each week, inspired by musical icons from across the West End and Broadway (including his designers’ favourite shows). You can often find him singing down at Open Mic nights or humming a tune as he waddles through the local park on his way home to roost. He is trying to pluck up the courage to post his singing on TikTok.
The RicNic Foundry Comets group is for young people aged 12-17 years who have an interest in music, performance and musical theatre. Sessions are relaxed, building confidence and skills with optional performance opportunities to family and friends in a supportive environment. It currently runs at Manor Farm Community Association, Rushall on Fridays
Places are available for the new term on a first come, first served basis. Find out more here.
Diversity Duck
Created by Willenhall in Focus C.I.C
Willenhall in Focus C.I.C showcases the vibrancy and community spirit of Willenhall through inspiring photography, video, and inclusive content, celebrating equality and diversity with a positive, neutral approach.
Diversity Duck’s name was chosen to represent the need for more people in communities to embrace Diversity. It was a name suggested by David, a regular participant in the Mosaic group for neurodiverse families.
Diversity duck likes positivity and diversity. She enjoys photography, design and crafting. She loves waddling out and about in the community meeting people and having selfies with them too. Her fears are feeling like she doesn’t belong and experiencing negativity. Diversity Duck has been out an about around Willenhall, visiting the market, St Stephens church local fete, she loved going to the Mosaic group and having the pond created for her and her beautiful ducklings.
Diversity duck will continue on her waddle across the UK promoting positivity and diversity across the land and water, encouraging others to waddle along with her and her multicoloured ducklings.
The 6 coloured ducklings were 3D printed by Gemma’s Mosaic volunteer Rachel who lovingly create the 6 beautiful, coloured baby ducks to represent diversity in the duck community. The ducklings’ names are Splashenhall, Miss Willenhall, Dizzy Kizzy Duck, Duck Norris, Willowhall and Sir Quacksalot all chosen by our Willenhall online community and selected by a random spin the wheel which was shown on Facebook live.
Find out more about Willenhall in Focus C.I.C at www.willenhallinfocus.co.uk
Dazzle Duck
Created by Kingley Performing Arts
Kingley Performing Arts (KPA) are a Performing Arts school based in Bloxwich offering dancing, singing and acting classes for all ages! We provide excellent opportunities for our performers such as regular showcases including on stage and at Disneyland Paris! We ensure to build new skills, grow confidence and challenge and nurture our students. We strive to challenge, encourage and educate whilst having loads of fun making new friendships and lasting memories! With classes Monday through till Saturday we are sure to cater for all. Our classes range from Acro to Group Singing to Musical Theatre- we have it all!
Meet Dazzle…
Dazzle is a true performer! He LOVES being on stage, in front of the camera and in the spotlight. Any opportunity he gets he will perform. Dazzle has really been enjoying attending classes at KPA lately. He especially likes his Acro classes as he flips and spins through the air. Life for Dazzle is often between upside & down!
He is particularly excelling in his singing lessons where he is always belting out his favourite song- something about a lemonade stand and some grapes? Maybe it’s an originally of his, who knows! Dazzle attends weekly rehearsals for his trip to Disneyland Paris next year, and if he isn’t in the KPA studio, he is taking a swim in the Walsall Arboretum Park singing as he paddles away. Dazzle really is such a kind and fun soul, the children at KPA have really grown to love him.
Now Dazzle is a part of KPA he has learnt so many transferable skills! From confidence to communication to creativity and dedication, he has so many new abilities in which he will carry through his whole life.
Find out more about KPA online at https://www.kingleyperformingarts.co.uk
Dotty Duck
Created by Our Place Young Person Centre
Our Place Young Person Centre is a free recreational space for all young people aged 11 – 19 to take part in positive activities. It is a space where young people can learn, play, game, craft, chill and access support and guidance from youth workers. Our Place is currently based in the Saddler’s Centre, Walsall.
Meet Dotty…
Dotty likes taking part in positive activities, meeting new people and sharing ideas. She likes to learn, chill and take part in arts and crafts, gaming and sport she also loves a healthy snack!
She gained her name from her Polka Dot feathers, designed by some of the visitors to Our Place.
Ozzy
Created by The Walsall Wheelbarrow Company
The Thacker Family have been making wheelbarrows in Walsall for 80 years, when in the 1940’s Fred Thacker made the first steel wheelbarrow at his workshop in Brownhills, moving away from traditional wooden versions. These steel barrows became a valuable tool in rebuilding Britain after the Second World War. Fast forward to the present day and The Walsall Wheelbarrow Company is still owned by the Thacker family and is proud to be the UK’s leading wheelbarrow manufacturer.
Meet Ozzy…
Ozzy has been created by the 4th generation of the Thacker Family, Fred’s great-grandchildren in tribute to Ozzy Osborne.
Ozzy loves bringing a bit of rock glamour to the Walsall Wheelbarrow factory, keeping all the team in check and making sure their distribution lorries are given a rockin’ send off as they leave the site!
Find out more about The Walsall Wheelbarrow Company at www.thewalsallwheelbarrow.co.uk
Fred
Created by Youth Connect, Walsall
Fred the Superduck was created by young people who have attended Youth Connect at Pleck Youth Centre. He is a duck who has built his confidence and skills, by taking part in new activities, working with his friends and stepping a little out of his comfort zone. Now he feels like he has a superpower that will help him do anything to reach his fullest potential. He wants to inspire others to take that step, do something new and look ahead to a positive future. Anything is possible!
Youth Connect
Youth Connect empowers young people and offers advice, coaching and support across a wide range of activities at locations in Walsall. Youth programs and leadership initiatives that help nurture young people and help them develop the skills they will carry throughout their lives.
Pleck Youth Centre
Mondays 6:15pm – 8:15pm (ages 9-19)
Fridays 6:15pm – 8:15pm (ages 9-19)
Saturdays Club Session (8-14 years) 2pm – 4pm
Open access centre-based youth provision for 8-19 year olds where you can play sports, pool, table football, gaming and chill out areas. We also have a range of indoor activities including board games, arts and crafts and music sessions.
Find out more at www.youthconnect.org.uk
Flora
Created by Walsall Family Hubs
Flora absolutely loves making new friends during our Family Hub activities! She especially enjoys messy play, outdoor adventures, and diving into a giggly, gooey “messy quack” that always brings big smiles and laughter.
Over the last few weeks, Flora the Family Hub Duck has visited the Family Hubs across Walsall, joining in with Shaping my Tomorrow project, featuring in summer learning activities and making friends. She has been a busy quack spreading smiles across Family Hubs.
Flora will continue to tour Family Hubs in the near future. She wants to be featured in stories and meet new children along the way.
Walsall Family Hubs
Walsall Family Hubs offer a vibrant mix of fun and learning activities for children aged 0–5. Families enjoy stay-and-play sessions, creative crafts, storytelling, treasure hunts, and summer adventure passports that build school readiness through play, socialising, and exploration.