Carnival 2004 - Fantasy
News - Focus, April 2004
The St Mary's Village Carnival is coming up again on the 3rd of July, 2004 and preparation is underway for building another successful event. Carnival 2003 was a difficult act to follow, however, since it raised £10,700 in all, which has been distributed to a large number of charities and good causes, including Hospice at Home as the selected major charitable organisation. Everyone who participated must be commended for their contribution to the day. It could not have succeeded without you.
This year the theme is Fantasy, which certainly gives a wide range of choices for anyone who wants to get into the spirit of the day. The committee does encourage people attending to appear in costumes with a fantasy connection of any sort. As with last year, a special judging of costumes and outfits will take place in the arena and the best will be chosen by a skilled panel of expert judges who will know the finer points of pirates or pixies, vampires or vamps, or any other category of fantasy person or being (vegetables need not apply!).
No radical changes are planned for the structure of this year's Carnival. The main cause to be supported will be the Eaton Bray Village Hall, which is certainly a local concern, and as anyone who has used the hall will certainly agree, it needs some urgent refurbishment. The Village Hall has a unique place in the life of the villages and without needed work it may be difficult to keep it in operation. Of course as in other years there will be a number of other organisations and causes supported as well.
The procession, stalls of all kinds and the arena programmes are already in an advanced stage of planning but there is still room for participants, new or old, and you are always welcome. So if you have an idea for a float or just want to be part of the procession, if you wish to volunteer to man or organise a church stall, if you work to support a particular charity and would like to have a presence at the Carnival, if you have no specific ideas but would like to see if you can participate, then please get in touch. Various members of the committee are handling particular aspects of organising the event, but if you wish to contact the Carnival Committee Chairman, Peter Bennett then email him through the 'contact us' option on our website (www.stmarysvillagecarnival.com) and he will be able to connect you to the person who can handle your questions.
Our arena programme is progressing too and I am happy to announce that "The Worms" are back. The organiser of the “hunt” is Gordon Gray (who insists that it is “The Worm Charming” – like prince charming perhaps?) Gordon will be looking for participants to contact him as soon as possible. May I reassure everyone that this is not a blood sport and does not involve hunting with dogs (unless you have a particularly talented canine in the family).
The Birds of Bray will again have their selection of owls and other raptors, in an exhibit that is now familiar but always exciting and fascinating. The Classic Cars exhibit will also be present and some vehicles will be making an appearance in the arena. In addition, there will be many other memorable things to see, both new and familiar.
On the 25th April at 11:30 in the Eaton Bray Village Hall, the Carnival Queen and Princess will be chosen, along with two Attendants, and as in previous years any girls of the ages 7 to 12 are eligible to participate. To take part all you have to do is complete and return an entry form by the 19th of April. These forms can be had by contacting Yvonne Ranson. Come along to Eaton Bray Village Hall on 25th to participate or just to see the event. The Carnival Queen, Princess and Attendants will lead the Carnival Procession on the 3rd of July and the Queen will open the Carnival when the procession arrives at the Green.
© Focus Magazine 2004
