Annual Carnival a Record-Breaking Success

Posted on July 6, 2006

Even though it went head to head with England's world cup climax, and unlike Rooney, carnival floats procession had a good send off.

The crowds turned out for the St Mary's Village Carnival, on Edlesborough Green, on Saturday - despite competition from England's World Cup game and Wimbledon.

This year, the theme was "films", and the colourful carnival procession certainly won rave reviews from the crowds cheering the floats on their way.

Carnival chairman Peter Bennett said: "This has probably been our best year ever, when even important national sporting events couldn't keep people away from St Mary's Village Carnival.

"To raise over £10,000 in one day for local charities and good causes is not an easy achievement. It is a magnificent sum and I would like to thank everybody who helped with organising, fundraising, and all those who came along on the day to enjoy themselves, for their efforts and for contributing.

"It is a wonderful event, involving people from the villages of Eaton Bray, Edlesborough, Northall and Dagnall, and the generosity of community spirit is the key to our carnival's success."

There were lots of stalls and sideshows, and plenty of entertainment for all the family, including belly dancing, Jazzercise, a classic cars parade, a dog show, Dagnall School country dancing, worm charming, and, a grand draw.

Birds of prey were on display, and other attractions included a chainsaw carver, other craft demonstrations, bouncy castles, giant inflatables and Clarabelle the pantomime cow.

Procession Winners:

Pre-School and Lower School: 1 Eaton Bray Lower School; 2 Eaton Bray Pre-School Playgroup; 3 Edlesborough under-fives.

School-Age Organisations: 1 Friends of Edlesborough School; 2 1st Eaton Bray and Edlesborough Cubs; 3 St Mary's GIFT.

Family and Business: I The Bell pub; 2 The Hawkes family; 3 Cheryl Spratt's Minis, and Brilliant Publications.

Prizes were once again presented to the best-dressed buildings, decked out on the carnival theme, along the procession route.

The winners were Rachel McVeigh, of 100 High Street, Eaton Bray, for Star Wars decorations, and the Janes store, in Edlesborough, for a display on The Chronicles Of Namia: The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe.

First prize in the grand draw, a weekend for two in Rome, was won by Trevor Rix. Second prize, tea with South West Beds MP Andrew Selous at the Houses of Parliament, went to Maggie Kerr.

This year, the carnival has raised cash for the fabric fund for St Mary's Church, Eaton Bray; lain Rennie Hospice at Home; and other local charities and good causes.

For more pictures and results, see the Carnival website.

Source: Anne O'Donaghue, Dunstable Gazette, 5 July 2006
Pictures by Gareth Owen