Carnival 2002 - Celebrating Britain
A Personal Reflection
Well, didn't we have a wonderful day, and weren’t we lucky with the weather? After a week of rain and drizzle Saturday morning started dry and fine. The Green was empty at 7 am and again at 8 pm. In between we held what the police who were in attendance described as the second biggest event of its kind that they attend in Buckinghamshire – second only to the County Show. I refer, of course, to St Mary’s Village Carnival. An event organised by the congregation of St Mary's Church on behalf of the four villages of Dagnall, Eaton Bray, Edlesborough and Northall.
During the afternoon thousands of people flocked to Edlesborough Green to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of a traditional rural event. The crowds were entertained by traditional maypole dancing by children and adults, Morris Dancing courtesy of the Aldbury Morris Men, rural crafts including basket weaving, bonsai and falconry. The organisers apologise for some late cancellations: the Shire Horses, whistle makers and wattle makers but considerable compensation came from the presence of Animal Outing to whom children flocked to see and touch the wide range of animals on display.
The event was opened by the Carnival Queen and special guest Rev Canon Malcolm Grant who had travelled in a 30 vehicle procession through streets bedecked with houses dressed to the theme “Celebrating Britain”. Our thanks to all who took part.
At either end of The Green people enjoyed the opportunity to see their villages from a new perspective either on the Ferris Wheel or by taking a tethered ride in the hot air balloon so generously supplied, through the good offices of Ken Coates, by Lambrini.
Among the many supporters the organising committee would like to thank the members of St Mary's Church who turned out in force to help at the event, Edlesborough Parish Council, Eaton Bray Parish Council, Bedfordshire Police and Thames Valley Police. Also Hawkins Transport, TMC contractors, Dunstable ATC, Leighton Buzzard ATC, the pubs and shops in the village and generous donors of prizes and advertising.
We have already had our first planning meeting for next year. St Mary’s Village Carnival 2003 will be on 5 July 2003 with the theme "Circus". The Chairman of the organising Committee may come dressed as Eros (as in Piccadilly Circus) to make up for his costume this year, which some people described as being rather plane.
God bless you all and thank you for your support.
