Carnival Capers

Exmouth Carnival - review

Nunsford Nutters, Axminster St John Badgers, Honiton Twirlstars, Lyme Regis Majorettes, Axminster YFC, Hillside Garage, Diamond Cheer Squad, Nymphos, A&A CC, Sidvale CC, Eclipse CC, farmers, tractor drivers, Honiton royalty... All mentioned...

AN electric atmosphere among big crowds and positively balmy weather complemented possibly East Devon's largest carnival of the season so far, in Exmouth, at the weekend.

After a break on the East Devon Circuit, which saw circuit hopefuls Broadclyst pulling out all the stops to win over officials for a place in the recognised carnival line-up next year, it was Exmouth's turn to shine on Saturday.

Sidvale CC, the mightiest contender on the circuit this year, glided through the resort like a yellow, orange and gold rainbow. Members brought a touch of Rio and Samba to the seaside with its multi-award-winning and oh-so-colourful Brazilia.

There was more than a sprinkling of homegrown glory seekers to add to the glamour and glitz of the occasion, proving Exmouth deserves a place among the best for carnival spirit. See this week's Exmouth Journal for full report, pictures and results.

As always, the carnival was a feast of colour - keeping children wide-eyed and adults entertained along the entire route.

Your Midweek Herald volunteered to deliver Honiton Christmas Carnival entry forms to contenders and received an overwhelming, positive response.

Jokers Nunsford Nutters CC, of Colyton, were among those to quip "We're not coming!' - but there was a real glint in their eyes. They'll be there!

Two carnival clubs, outside of East Devon but with local members, are holding their annual dinners on the same night. A&A CC, of Kilmington, has affiliations to the great Harlequin CC, of Ilminster, which is one of those feasting on December 15. A&A say they'll try to attend Honiton - if there's enough time to get to Somerset afterwards. Cross-fingers the Harlequins don't tuck in before 8pm!

Back to the Nutters... Going along the line-up with my camera, ably assisted by colleague Dave Somerton-Rees, also with a camera, I encountered one of the funniest scenes on the circuit this year - the posing 'lady' positioned on the front of the float.

What a laugh! Surely, a pantomime dame of the future? It was a scene reminiscent of Nymphos' rocket float a few years back.

At the back of the float, reposing in a bed and wearing a granny wig, was a club member I recall from numerous Nutters entries of years gone by - a loyal club supporter.

Eclipse CC, supported by High Spirits CC, of Honiton, who are not fielding a float this year, must be commended for its entry, which is as dynamic as it is colourful. It reminds me of a colossal walking entry (Firework Frenzy by Stephen Miller, of Ilminster) some years ago. Eclipse, of course, have captured the theme in greater proportions.

It's Showtime! Axminster Young Farmers' Club, still vivid in my memory as glamorous cops, at least one gyrating in a barred cell, has been partially overlooked this season - for no particular reason.

At Exmouth, I got my chance to line up glamorous cowgirls for a photo. Thank you for co-operating at a busy time.

Two young ladies stayed out of the limelight, but I photographed them anyway. One was hugging a horse and the other was very enthusiastically dancing while sat with her legs dangling over the float. I was disappointed she turned shy when my camera pointed in her direction, because she was a vision of true carnival spirit.

Now, the Nymphos... Flied rice, not fried lice.

Every time I look at Mental Oriental I see something new. Spectators are so amused by the first things they spot, they don't take in the rest of the humour. And there's so much of it.

I'm disappointed not to have seen Seaton Explorer Scouts for a couple of weeks. They've been trying their luck in South Somerset, but are missed back at home.

Making their last appearance before newcomers are crowned were Honiton's royal family - queen Zoe Braunton-Turner, princess Zoe Allen and attendant Rebecca Bell. Well done and thank you from Honiton and District Carnival committee. New royalty will be crowned in the High Street, outside St Paul's Church, at 11am on Saturday (October 20).

East Devon and West Dorset were well represented at Exmouth in the majorette stakes. Lyme Regis dazzled, with expert Emma (nee Tappin) and super trainer Olivia at the helm. What an enthusiastic and well turned out troupe. My photos never properly capture their skill and enthusiasm, but I've recorded it, I hope, in words.

What I most admire about Lyme Regis is an ability to keep and bring on the talented. Retention, as well as renewal, has greatly raised their profile over the years.

My daughter is in awe of girls from Diamond Cheer Squad. They were probably representing Exmouth on Saturday, but also train at Honiton and Sidmouth.

Being a Honitonian, there'd be something REALLY wrong with me if I didn't appreciate Lindi Polkey coming along in her distinctive wig with the ever-improving Honiton Twirlstars!

What progress the troupe has made in a short time. Members never cease to light up my night with their enthusiasm and real carnival spirit hoops.

I'm really looking forward to Honiton Christmas Carnival and seeing Lindi on the dance floor at the Royal British Legion, during the disco afterwards. I think she's got the potential to be the life and soul of the party. I want her to inspire me! Get me on the dance floor, Lindi!

Hillside Garage has really come on this year. I noted a great warm-up routine going on, well before the start of the carnival. This is to be commended. Waiting for a carnival to start can be a real drag for young carnivalites and this sort of activity keeps up interest during lulls.

Calling Carol Enticott, of Axminster St John Badgers... What was the duck get-up? Truly, you made my night! It was great!

May Smears and Streaks Limited, partly sponsored by Midweek Herald, continue its long reign of success on this year's circuit.

An appeal... Sid and Otter Vale YFC. Please get in touch with me over your entry. Your Herald hasn't covered it so far, but would love to.

Coming soon on this blog is a tribute to farmers. If you'd like to have a farmer mentioned, for supporting carnival, email me or send a comment. You can also always call me (as with any carnival club) on 07798716146. Also, trials and tribulations of a tractor driver... any stories to tell? I've got one, but I'm barred from repeating it in full. It involves Ilminster Carnival, a wrong turning and a sign saying "40 miles to Andover"!!!!!!

Exmouth Carnival is never the quickest off the mark, due to high entry levels and the delicate task of positioning walking entries between floats, but enthusiasm for the event once again ensured it is a true highlight of the East Devon circuit.

See this week's Exmouth Journal for full results and reports from Brixington Ladies, Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton Scouts, Topsham Royal Family, Budleigh Salterton CC, Exmouth Town FC and last, but by no means least, the multi, multi award winning (in 2007) Exmouth in Bloom Committee!

Karizma Majorettes, of Axminster, were at Chard, as was Phoenix CC.

Phoenix is the overall winner, so far, on the South Somerset Federation circuit. See this week's Midweek Herald for latest local results.