Carnival - with special thanks to Peter Bennett

Posted on October 14, 2008

You will have seen elsewhere in Focus that, as a result of this year's Carnival, a magnificent £11,750 has been distributed among a range of local good causes by the Organising Committee. In the August issue of Focus thanks were expressed to the Committee who helped organised the event but this did not adequately recognise the importance of the work done by the Committee's Chairman, Peter Bennett. Once again this year, Peter acted as a guiding light over the Carnival preparation and conduct, just as he has done for the previous four years.

After five years as Chairman, and 20 years altogether on the Carnival Committee, Peter is standing down, partly for health reasons, so it is fitting to record the thanks of the Committee and all who have benefited from his leadership role over this time. Peter, our thoughts and prayers are with you and Eileen and we anticipate that you will, as usual, exceed our expectations running the Silent Auction at next year's Carnival.

So who will Chair the Carnival Committee next year? Well, with apologies to those who thought they had seen the back of me five years ago, I have agreed to take on the challenge once again - and, given the current economic situation, I guess it will be a challenge this year. But with your support, whatever circumstances we find ourselves in, we will make the day an enjoyable one. Some decisions have been made - the event will be on Edlesborough Green on Saturday 4 July with a theme of 'Books' - so enormous scope for dressing up.

Already we are exploring some exciting new attractions, which you will hear more about next year; but at this stage I am keen to emphasise that the Carnival Committee never has been an exclusive group of people and to invite anyone who would like to help in any way, big or small, to get in touch with me. Perhaps you would like to serve on the Committee, or help on the day, maybe you can offer a prize that we could use in our Grand Draw or Silent Auction, perhaps you have ideas for or access to, new attractions, or have access to equipment that we could use - vehicles, marquees, walkie-talkies, disposables. If so, please contact me, Gordon Gray. I am not known for turning offers of help away!

The success of the Carnival comes down to everyone in this community. Let's all help to make our Carnival a day to remember once again.

Source: Focus, November 2008