Carnival Capers

Bumper season for Sidvale

belinda.bennett@archant.co.uk — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:35:00 GMT

Sid vale Carnival Club recently held their annual “Christmas Social” to thank all its supporters, everyone from Sponsors, to our neighbours at our float building site.

On display at the Social evening were a fantastic total of 35 trophies, won during the 2009 carnival season. This included, 11 1^st’s, 2 2^nd’s, and an amazing 4^th prize from Bridgwater, matching our best ever Bridgwater result of 4^th in 1995. Also, 10 best overall awards, 4 Best costume awards and 6 other special awards. This has been one of the clubs most successful years and we are all really please with what we have achieved.

The club would like to thank its sponsors and supporters for their help. We are now in the process of picking next year’s idea and are planning something just as successful. The club are interested to hear from any one interested in helping us in 2009, including sponsors and new members who can contact Marion Perry on 01395 514244.

Honiton Christmas Carnival

belinda.bennett@archant.co.uk — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:39:00 GMT

As Honiton and District Carnival prepares to host East Devon’s only Christmas procession, event secretary Karen Wilson has issued a clarion call.
Are you taking part in the event and planning to attend the party afterwards at Honiton Royal British Legion Club?
If you are, Mrs Wilson needs to hear from you!
“I need to get an idea of numbers for catering purposes,” she told the Herald.
Tickets for the December 5 event cost £3 and include a meal.
Those taking part in the ‘just for fun’ carnival are asked to call Mrs Wilson on (01404) 47038 as soon as possible.
Honiton Maturettes have dropped out of this year’s procession, but the town’s newest club has announced plans to take part. See page 7.

Roger Muspratt-Hamilton - gearing up for the County Circuit

belinda.bennett@archant.co.uk — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:05:00 GMT

Roger Set for Bridgwater Carnival 2009

Well its nearly here... Bridgwater Carnival takes place on Friday the 6^th November and one single masquerader, Roger Muspratt-Hamilton, from Paignton, in Devon, is all geared up for it.

Roger has been out on the road since August 16^th, which was his first carnival of 2009, in Sturminster Newton, Dorset, with this year's entry, entitled “Better The Devil You Know Than The Devil You Don't”, which got him a 2^nd in the single adult class.

He then went to Seaton in September and managed a 3^rd and has been on the road covering carnivals in Wiltshire, Dorset and Somerset. Trowbridge earned Roger a 1^st, and he then went to Wellington, Ilminster and Taunton in a new class all together for him this year in Walking Wheeled and did well with getting 1^st at all of these and also winning the class in South Somerset.

He then ventured out in Wincanton on Saturday 24^th October, which is part of the Wessex Circuit, and came away with 1^st in class and to top it a Best Overall Walker of the carnival, which Roger felt was well deserved as it takes nearly and hour to get himself ready before every carnival - from make-up to checking his batteries for the many lights on his costume and getting into the costume! He has one more carnival, on Saturday 31^st October, in Warminster, Wiltshire – yes, Hallowe’en and a good night for him to be out with his costume! - before he goes up to the Guy Fawkes Circuit which covers seven carnivals from the 6^th November until Monday 16^th November. Roger has been runner up on the county circuit in 2003 as “Jafar” and then winner in 2004 with “Arachnophobia” and also again in 2008 with “Rio Rockellio”.

He hopes to wow the crowds and also the judges and maybe come away with some silverware. He will enjoy himself what ever happens!

Watch the results!

Boogie Bass Bugs - error

belinda.bennett@archant.co.uk — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:17:00 GMT

While browsing print-outs of pages for tomorrow's paper, I have noticed an error in a picture caption.

A caption for Boogie Bass Bugs says 'Boogie Base Bugs'. I hope I won't be burnt at the stake for this.

It is entirely my fault because, as well as writing most of the Midweek Herald and taking the odd picture, I actually design it, too. Yes, I even draw those thin lines around the adverts - the ones that separate the paid-for stuff from the news.

Any carnivalite interested in the production of the paper is more than welcome to spend time with me at my Exeter Airport office to see how it's done. I'm there Fridays, Mondays and Tuesdays.

Wednesday and Thursday I'm in Honiton, getting stories. Of course, I'm also out-and-about on evenings and weekends - just in case you think only things that happen on a Wednesday and Thursday make the paper!

Midweek Herald - Honiton Carnival coverage

belinda.bennett@archant.co.uk — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:33:00 GMT

COVERAGE of this year's carnival will feature on pages 20, 21, 22, 40 and 41 (please note the gap between pages 22 and 40) in tomorrow's paper. I got pages 40 and 41 at the last minute.

The coverage is mainly pictorial, plus results.

This year, we have included full length shots of some floats - and we have tried, where possible, to keep spectators in the photos.

The Midweek Herald is last with the carnival coverage, because of its Wednesday publication day, so, therefore, we thought we would go for the souvenir photo spreads and hardly any words.

It was a fantastic show - and the pictures tell the story. Obviously, the results are covered.

Page 22 includes a half-page photo spread on the carnival race night, held the night before the carnival.

Belinda

Honiton Carnival: Special presentations

belinda.bennett@archant.co.uk — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 15:09:00 GMT

CARNIVAL chairman Bill Austin ensured two special presentations were made last night.

Myrtle Harris, carnival president, received a bouquet for her unstinting efforts to gather prize money sponsorship and carnival secretary Karen Wilson was presented with a bouquet for her sheer hard work.

Honiton Carnival: Marshals

belinda.bennett@archant.co.uk — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 15:05:00 GMT

Marshals at this year's carnival were:

Somerset and West Dorset Marshals (formerly Yeovil)

Wellington Carnival Committe

Nymphos Carnival Club

Yarcombe Young Farmers' Club

Two carnival-spirited ladies from Sidmouth and Honiton and District Carnival Committee

Honiton Carnival 2009: Pedlars behave

belinda.bennett@archant.co.uk — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 15:02:00 GMT

I am pleased to report that pedlars behaved themselves at Honiton last night.

Not only did they stay well ahead of the procession, they worked to the side from an early point in the carnival.

They did it with a smile, which is excellent progress.

Nutters' thanks to Graham Pady

belinda.bennett@archant.co.uk — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 14:59:00 GMT

NUNSFORDS Nutters Carnival Club would like to thank Graham Pady for his invaluable help this year.

Mr Pady provided cover for the club while they upgraded their 2009 entry.

Prior to this year, the club had not been able to properly decorate its tractor.

Stig of the Dump was the result, with a professional finish to the overall entry.

Honiton and District Carnival 2009 - RESULTS

belinda.bennett@archant.co.uk — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 14:57:00 GMT

Class A Open: 1st - Rollin on the River, Sid Vale CC

2nd - Parade, Phoenix CC

3rd - Icequerade, Eclipse CC

4th - What you waiting for - Axminster YFC

Class C Local: 1st - Honiton Pantomime Society

Class D Comedy: 1st - Nutters Clean Up, Nutters CC

2nd - The Rex Factor, One Plus One CC

3rd - Puppet on a String, Poppe Inne CC

Class E Under 16s: 1st - Showboat, Tango CC

2nd - Motion in the Ocean, Rascals CC

3rd - Gypsy Glade, South Brent CC

Class F 30' & Under: 1st - Colour the World, Brimspear CC

2nd - Candyland, OSMVSU CC

3rd - Rock around the Clock, Budleigh Salterton CC

Class G Queens: 1st - A Queen for all Seasons, Ottery St Mary Carnival

2nd - A Touch of Class, Colyton Carnival

3rd - Wintertime, Seaton Carnival

4th - Woodland Fantasy, Topsham Town Fayre

Class H Trade: 1st - Landrover Experience

2nd - Crealy Adventure Park

3rd - Heart Radio

Class I Walking Single: 1st - Through the Eye, Jodie-Bea CC

2nd - Alienation, A & A CC

Class J

Walking Pairs: 1st - It's all in the Stars, Mary & Jess Batten-Stevens

2nd - Dragon's Aura, Excalibur CC

Class K Walking Groups: 1st - Robert Owen Community

2nd - Busy Bee Pre-School

3rd - Honiton Youth Football

4th - Honiton Rugby Juniors

Class L

Walking with motorised wheeled props:

1st - Space Bugs, Boogie Bass Bugs

2nd - Strictly Table Dancing, Honiton Round Table

3rd - Honiton Gym Club

4th - Scout Talent, Honiton 1st Scout Group

Class M Walking non-motorised wheeled props

1st - Formula Fraud, Cooke Family CC

2nd - 1 Man English Country Garden, Dave Arney

3rd - Flower Power, Phil Armour

4th - Little Treasures Pirates of Gittisham -

Little Treasures Pre-School

Class N Walking Youth: 1st - Icle Ice, Aiden Pearcy

2nd - Living Table, Sarah Bolton

3rd - Harvest Time, Rose Batten-Stevens

Special Awards:

Best Overall - Rollin on the River, Sid Vale CC Most Original Walking - Alienation, A & A CC Best Dressed Tractor Driver - Icequerade, Eclipse CC Best Lighting - Rollin on the River, Sid Vale CC Best Costumes - Rollin on the River, Sid Vale CC Best Make-up - Motion in the Ocean, Rascals CC Best Choreography - Rollin on the River, Sid Vale CC Best Music - Rollin on the River, Sid Vale CC Most Colourful - Rollin on the River, Sid Vale CC Royalty Trophy - Motion in the Ocean, Rascals CC Best Local Walking Organisation - Joint Winners: Honiton Gym Club & Busy Bee Pre-school Best Dressed Collector - Abigail Phillips

Tango JCC will be at Taunton

belinda.bennett@archant.co.uk — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 09:41:00 GMT

Reports that Tango JCC have split up and will not be appearing at Taunton Carnival are untrue, Carnival Capers has been asked to point out.

What really happened at Chard Carnival 2009

belinda.bennett@archant.co.uk — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 11:21:00 GMT

CARNIVAL clubs came to each other’s aid during this year’s ill-fated Chard and District Carnival – before police stopped them lifting low power cables with specialist poles and evacuated the area.

The root of last Saturday’s problem was in Old Town, where low power cables saw Harlequin CC successfully lift them, using poles, to get by.

Other carts followed on behind with no problem.

When Domino CC’s Zombie approached the spot, Harlequin members returned to help them through.

Judge Katy Paul, who was standing near the spot, said: “Police then said it was dangerous and evacuated the area.”

Katy and fellow judge Fiona Palmer were among those judging the majorette, youth, walking groups and best make-up classes, when the carnival came to a grinding halt.

“The carnival started on time at 7.30pm, but came to a halt an hour later,” said Katy.

“All judging was null and void when the carnival was then abandoned.”

Some entries completed the route at Chard

belinda.bennett@archant.co.uk — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 11:33:00 GMT

Karizma Majorettes reached the finish line in Chard at 9.30pm.

Video footage of the event reveals the carnival started on time and that confusion over a hold up led to serious problems for larger entries.

Entrants have told Carnival Capers they weren't entirely sure what the hold-up was.

Some believed it was caused by overhead cables, others that a cart had become stuck on a bend.

Majorettes were able to complete the route by reducing the width of their displays.

Exmouth Carnival 2009 - review

belinda.bennett@archant.co.uk — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 10:59:00 GMT

IN perfect weather conditions, it didn’t seem a hassle at all to be kept waiting for the start of Exmouth Carnival.

In fact, compared to Chard Carnival, held on the same night, 20 minutes late was nothing!

Many entries at Chard didn’t move off until 9pm and, eventually, the procession was abandoned. A problem with overhead cables has been blamed.

It was a different story in Exmouth where even Tango JCC made it to the ball – after initially breaking down en-route.

Eager club members were determined to take part in the procession, vowing to walk - if necessary.

In the end, they got a ride; their float arriving in time to be slipped into the moving line-up.

Exmouth boasted a fantastic number of local entries.

Brixington Ladies shone again – this time as Santa’s Harem. The plucky women took a first prize last year with Mature Majorettes.

The King and Queen of Salterton Road Recycling Centre, Tim Mann and Michelle Ferris, were the centrepiece of a quite stunning entry by Exmouth Transition Town.

Other notable local entries were fielded by Exmouth in Bloom, Exmouth Sea Cadets and a host of other youth organisations.

Steam engines from The World of Country Life lead the procession, behind the traditional fire engine.

Royalty from Topsham Town Fayre filled the vacancy in Exmouth.

The carnival attracted entries from as far afield as Dawlish, South Brent and Lyme Regis.

Majorette troupes included Dartline, Somerset Red Arrows, Seaton Fire and Ice, Diamond Cheer Squad and Lyme Regis.

First major float over the start line was award-winning comedy classic Nutters Clean Up, fielded by Nunsford Nutters CC, of Colyton.

Last to wow the crowds was the multi award winning Rollin On The River by Sidvale CC, with Jamie Baker driving the tractor.

Exmouth Carnival attracted fantastic crowds and fostered a real family atmosphere.

In positively balmy weather for October, the event rounded off yet another milestone in this year’s illuminated season.

Organiser Rob Waller deserves praise for ensuring another great night – and for the second year running ensured results were published before 11am the following day.

Exmouth Carnival 2009 - RESULTS

belinda.bennett@archant.co.uk — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 10:02:00 GMT

BEST OVERALL
Rolling on the River - Sid Vale

CLASS A1 - OPEN
1st - Rolling on the River - Sid Vale

CLASS B1 - FEATURE
1st - What you waiting for - Axminster YF

CLASS C1 - COMIC
1st - Nutters clean up - Nunsford Nutters

CLASS D1 QUEENS - under 18ft
1st - To the Ball - Honiton
2nd - Woodland Fantasy - Topsham
3rd - Winter Time - Seaton

CLASS D2 QUEENS - over 18ft
1st - A touch of class - Colyton
2nd - Queens of all Seasons - Ottery St Mary
3rd - Queens of all Musicals - Dawlish

QUEENS OF QUEENS
Ottery St Mary

CLASS E - YOUTH
1st - Gypsy Glade - South Brent
2nd - Showboat - Tango
3rd - Bennys Bangers - Honiton

CLASS F - under 25ft
1st - 25 Years of Panto
2nd - Rock around the Clock
3rd - Candy Land

CLASS G - TRADE
1st - King of the Belgians
2nd - East Devon Council
3rd - Crealy Park

CLASS H - LOCAL
1st - A night at the Musicals
2nd - Fly High with W.I.
3rd - Santa Sleigh

CLASS J - YOUTH ORGANIZATIONS
1st - Colour the World

CLASS K - WALKING ADULT SINGLE
1st - Through the Eye
2nd - Zoriac

CLASS L - WALKING ADULT PAIR
1st - It's all in the Stars

CLASS S - WHEELED
1st - Formula Fraud

CLASS X - WALKING WITH MOTOR PROPS
1st - Space Bugs
2nd - Crazy Colours

CLASS T - MIXED GROUP
1st - Withycombe Raleigh Playgroup
2nd - Blooming Belles

CLASS Q - YOUNG ORGANISATIONS
1st - Exmouth Sea Cadets
2nd - Exmouth Sea Scouts
3rd - Exmouth & Budleigh Scouts
4th - Concept Marshal Arts

CLASS M - WALKING ADULT GROUP
1st - Santas Harem

CLASS N - WALKING YOUTH SINGLE
1st - Icicle
2nd - Harvest Time
3rd - Truly Scrumptious

CLASS P - WALKING YOUTH PAIRS
1st - Dragons Aura
2nd - Old MacDonald