Carnival Capers

In reality, my float debut (last Saturday at Honiton Christmas Carnival) was as Sandra Dee in Del Boy's car on the Degreased float, entered by Hillside Garage.

It was no less disappointing or spectacular.

Sporting a platinum wig, about five layers of make-up and some sparkly face jewellery, I felt every inch a true carnivalite - more so than I would have done if I'd stayed in my usual role, as a marshal.

It's thanks to Yeovil Marshals, who admirably stood in for me, that I was able to cast my inhibitions aside and really go for it. THANK YOU!

Preparations started at around noon on the day of the carnival, when I straightened my real hair and then tied it into a tight ponytail. (Ready for the wig.)

The first layer of foundation went on a 3pm, followed by more coats at around 4pm. Blusher, eye shadow and the first few lashings of mascara were to follow. At around 4.30pm, 15 minutes before setting off for Ottery Moor Lane, I added a dusting of powder, before applying more mascara, the face jewellery, loads of glitter and lipstick. At the last minute, I applied black eye-liner - so it had less chance of running or smudging before the 6pm start time.

My cousin, Colin, drove me from the family home in Honiton to Ottery Moor Lane, before he collected the float (Degreased) from Awliscombe.

I met up with other carnival committee members - all brilliantly turned out in fancy dress or carnival float costumes - and the chief marshal from Yeovil.

With marshalling sorted, I eagerly awaited the arrival of the float. When it took its place in the line-up, I was straight up there - eager to give the float's dance routine my all.

Nicky Pring supplied my wig and encouragement. Thank you.

The carnival started on the dot and, with my daughter providing part of the road crew in a fluorescent jacket beside me, we were off!

It was great. I'd woken up with a sore throat, but the ailment temporarily disappeared amidst the excitement.

Herald photographer Alex Walton captured me in full flow as the float headed for the High Street.

As the crowds thickened, en route to the town centre, nerves kicked in. By the time Degreased reached The White Lion, I was feeling a bit unsure of myself. When I spotted a lifelong friend and her family in the crowd, I didn't know where to look. More and more familiar faces were to follow. Some shouted: "Belinda! Belinda!"

Surely, I was Sandra Dee; hidden under mounds of make-up and a wig?

I tried to keep up the routine. When I felt embarrassed or slightly unsure of the next move, I just enthusiastically clapped my hands to the beat of the float's music.

My enthusiasm probably waned, partly due to the bitter cold, as the finish line approached. I made sure I put in an extra special effort outside St Paul's Church, when I spotted Councillor Liz Tirard and the many volunteers who keep the church at the heart of the community. They were manning a refreshments area during the carnival.

Aware that I was attending a party afterwards, and that I'd mentioned going to the Sunday morning Bethlehem Cantata in St Paul's at 9.30am, I thought I'd better make sure they saw me in full flow - so they'd understand if I didn't make it in the morning.

I'm ashamed to say, I didn't make it. Sorry!

After the carnival, I walked to the Royal British Legion and fully intended to stick to soft drinks - so I'd be up bright and early.

Nobody told me how cheap the drinks would be at the RBL - or that 300 people would promote the most 'merry' of carnival spirits.

It was a fantastic night. The company was good. The food was good. The atmosphere was electric.

After five glasses of wine, all but one bought by other people, I left the party at 11pm.

I stopped off at Ali Kebabs and walked the short distance to the family home. I was sound asleep by midnight.

Sadly, I awoke on Sunday at 11am - too late to attend the Bethlehem Cantata. My sore throat had returned with a vengeance and, by 2pm, I was back home, in Lyme Regis, and in bed.

Thanks to excellent employers, my suffering was kept to a minimum on the Monday.

My biggest shock was seeing the photo of myself on the float. Blimey, I really DID go for it! It's not a picture I'll be keeping for the family album (I look like I've just escaped from an asylum). I prefer the more demure snaps, taken before the procession started. At least my wig was fully on my head at that point!

I don't think I'm cut out for a starring role on a carnival float.

My nerves weren't made of steel when put to the test. I'm a sensitive soul at heart.

Marshalling will always be my main place in carnival.

Mrs Chave, make sure you pencil me in for Wellington again next year!

Honiton Christmas Carnival wasn't really my debut on a float. I appeared in Exeter Carnival in 1986/87 - courtesy of Northcliffe Newspapers. I was Madonna. My top boss, Vincent Boni, was Winston Churchill, and my editor, Simon Dixon-Phillip, was part of a Laurel and Hardy act. We all loved carnivals - even back then!

That horrible photo of me at Honiton Christmas Carnival is somewhere on this website... Have a festive laugh!