Carnival 2005 - Nursery Rhymes
News - Focus, May 2005
Three Cheers for the Carnival Queen
On Sunday the 10th of April in the Eaton Bray Village Hall, we had the selection of the Carnival Queen from amongst a group of young ladies who entered their names in the draw. Our of the hat, the first name chosen was Amy Ryder, 10, who will be this year’s St Mary’s Village Carnival Queen. Her name was followed by Elizabeth Ranson, 12, to be Carnival Princess. Finally, Heather Potton, 9, and Grace Shrowder, 8, became their Attendants. Although time was tight for the selection this year, the event nevertheless went off well. The Leighton Buzzard Observer, who sent a photographer, and the Dunstable Gazette both were anxious for the names of the winners as early the next day as they could.
So, on Carnival Day, the 2nd of July, these four young dignitaries will lead the Carnival Procession from The Orchards in Eaton Bray to Edlesborough Green in a horse-drawn carriage from Honeywick Carriages of Eaton Bray. They will be dressed in gowns from Confetti Bridalwear of Tring and their hair will be styled by Chick’s Crop Shop of Dunstable. The flowers will come from Edlesborough’s Village Flower Shop. They will add a note of elegance to the procession.
When they reach the Green in Edlesborough, they will participate in the opening ceremony for the Carnival. The Carnival Queen will cut a ribbon and local personality, Peter Janes of Janes in Edlesborough will duly declare the proceedings open. Then it is over to all of the rest of us to have fun and see that we have another outstanding day.
The Carnival theme is Nursery Rhymes so anyone so inclined can indulge their fantasies in costume. There are plenty of possibilities so don’t hold back. It would be great if we had a lot of people coming as characters from nursery rhymes. Do you fancy yourself Humpty Dumpty or little Bo Peep, perhaps? Or Jack and Mrs Sprat? Perhaps you would like to come as a set of bells and a fruit basket? Is there a Miss Muffet straining to get out? Indulge!
The Classic Cars will be with us again, with a variety of interesting vehicles, motorbikes, etc. Perhaps you have an interesting vehicle! A number of classic cars and tractors will be part of the Carnival Procession, travelling the Orchards to Edlesborough Village Green – no mean feat for machines of their ages. Some even required servicing every 50 miles or so in their time, although that may well have taken weeks, back then. Each one has a story and you may find it rewarding to walk around talking to the owners on the field to hear about the dedication that most of them require simply to be there. For information or to register, contact David Marriage.
Birds of Bray, the Dog Show, the wood carver, crockery smashing, or the tea tent, something will undoubtedly be to your taste. (Perhaps even some of the cakes in the tea tent!)
It is sometimes hard to keep in mind why we are all there – apart from having fun. We are seeking to raise money for local charities and good causes. First among our recipients this year is the church extension fund in Dagnall.
So, have fun. That’s the easy part. However, we can offer you something even more valuable if you will consider being a volunteer and helping us in some way. We can offer you a great workout! We can guarantee cups of tea served to you in only the finest Styrofoam! We can assure you that you will walk miles and sleep well on Saturday evening. We can also guarantee you a great feeling of achievement and of community. Come join in! You can email us by clicking the 'Contact Us' option on our website at www.stmarysvillagecarnival.com.
See you at the Carnival on the 2nd of July on Edlesborough Green.
© Focus Magazine 2005
