Archived News - Carnival
Carnival - 3rd July 2010
We have an opportunity to bring a Bungee Jump to next summer's Carnival. It will cost £3,000 - we have to guarantee the organisers a minimum of 60 people who will each pay £50 to jump. We could have Bungee Jumping at the Carnival provided that, by the 10 January 2010, a minimum of 30 people;
- Have registered their interest to Gordon
- Paid a deposit of £25 as part payment for their jump costing £50
- Committed to raising a minimum of an additional £50
Seperately, our sponsors who, for many years have supplied bridesmaids' dresses, have stopped that line of business. Do you have connections with anyone who could supply such outfits?
To contact the Carnival Committee, see the Carnival website.
Source: St Mary's Newsletter, December 2009
St Mary's Village Carnival 2009
The Carnival Queen, Princess and attendants for this year's Carnival have been chosen! Leading the Procession as Carnival Queen will be 12 year old Charlotte Nilsen, with Carnival Princess Shauna Lugsden, aged 9. Their attendants will be Elise Christie (11) and Rebecca Riley (9). The girls will be looking wonderful, in dresses supplied by Confetti Bridalwear in Tring, their hair styled by High Street Hair and carrying beautiful flower posies from Buds of May.
Choosing the Carnival Queen takes us one step further to this year's Carnival on Saturday 4th July. But there's still plenty of other preparation going on! The entertainments this year look better than ever - as well as the legendary worm charming contest, this year's entertainment has a musical flavour. Come along and see the 'Best of Bands' challenge - several bands will be busking in our marquee; the one that raises the most money will then be invited to play in the Carnival arena. You can also enjoy:
- a performance by the Manshead School Band,
- Magic Dave, who'll be presenting two shows
- a display by Jazzercise
- Animal Antics - plenty of farmyard animals for youngsters to enjoy
- a demonstration by Maggie Stern of Spinners and Dyers.
Perennial favourites the Dog Show and the Classic Vehicle display will be back, as will that Carnival favourite Clarabelle the Cow - see if you can guess the square of the Green where she'll drop her pat! For radio amateurs, visit the Radio Hams, to see how it's done! For everyone there is free admission, free entertainment and free parking!
We still need offers of help for the day itself. Could you man a stall for a few hours, join the heavy gang at the beginning or end of the day or could you make cakes for the tea tent or the cake stall?
For any of the above please leave a message on our website - www.stmarysvillagecarnival.com.
We're all looking forward to 4th July - hope to see you there!
Source: Focus, June 2009
St Mary's Village Carnival 2009
The theme of this year's Carnival on Saturday July 4th is Books which gives us all fantastic scope for dressing up and getting into the spirit of things. From 'Three Men in a Boat', through 'Ballet Shoes', 'Oliver Twist' and the 'Chronicles of Narnia', there's any number of themes to pick up on.
Why not join in the Carnival Procession - it's not just for the younger element! Some of the most successful floats in recent years have come from local businesses such as Janes or The Bell PH. Alternatively, why not get your neighbours involved and enter a float in the procession manned by people in your road? Lack of a vehicle is no barrier -a 'walking float' is the green alternative.
If you'd prefer to watch the Procession rather than be in it, don't forget our competition for the best dressed houses in Eaton Bray and Edlesborough, plus the best dressed business, with cups for the winners generously provided by Edlesborough Autos.
Can you help with Carnival in any other way? Our Carnival is an event for everyone in the village and everyone can contribute to its success. We're in need of:
- Offers of help for the day before and Carnival day itself - manning a stand, setting up the stalls, clearing up, you name it, we can use your help! Whether you can spare just half an hour or the whole day, we'll be very glad of your help.
- Donations of supplies - we need plants for the plant stall, bottles of wine, cakes for the cake stall, old crockery for the plate-smashing - can you help?
- Offers of transport to get equipment to and from Edlesborough Green or to take part in the Procession
- Donations of prizes for the Grand Draw
- Donations of items for the silent auction
For any of the above please contact us via the Carnival website - www.stmarysvillagecarnival.com.
We look forward to seeing you - in the procession or on the Green - on 4th July!
Carnival Queen selected for Village Carnival
Charlotte Nilsen has been chosen to reign as Carnival Queen for the St Marys Village Carnival on Edlesborough Green on Saturday 4 July. Supporting her will be princess Shauna Lugsden assisted by Elise Christie and Rebecca Riley. The Carnival will be a celebration of the Best of Rural England and organisers hope to beat last year's record sum of £12,000 for local charities.
This year's main beneficiary of the carnival funds will be the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Luton and Dunstable hospital which cares for premature and critically ill babies. It is the lead centre for neonatal care for the whole of Beds and Herts. The hospital is building a brand new NICU this year at a cost of £7 million to help meet the high level of demand . Money raised at the carnival will go towards the purchase of life saving medical equipment fo r the new expanded unit.
Sarah Newby, Appeals and Fundraising Manager at the Hospital said: "We are delighted that the carnival has chosen to support our NICU Appeal this year. The new unit needs additional life saving equipment and we already care for 600 babies each year in the neonatal unit. We wish the carnival every success and please be assured that any money raised will help us by equipment to save even more precious lives."
Carnival - with special thanks to Peter Bennett
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
Carnival 2008 – Fairy Tales
I'm sure you will agree that our Carnival just goes from strength to strength. What a community event. Right up until the Day itself I thought we would all get very wet - how wrong I was. We need a little while longer to calculate how much was taken but it looks to be around £11,000 - another remarkable achievement - well done everybody.
All the results will be found on the Carnival website and so it is my pleasure to thank all those that attended, all that decorated their houses and all those who gave goods, time and cash to ensure the Carnival's success. Thanks also to the Right Revd Graeme Knowles, Dean of St Paul's Cathedral for opening the event and for judging the floats.
Finally, thanks to my magnificent Committee of Chris and Sheila Banks, Roger Cook, Sonia Dean, Katrina Grant, Gordon Gray, Theo Gray, Bernadette Hillman, Norman and Ann Lee, David Marriage, Heather Martin, Tony Morreale, Mark Saccoccio, Lin Sargeant, Rebecca Shaw, Vince Taylor, Peter Thomas, and Roger Wilkinson.
If you have a favourite local good cause that you would like to be considered for a grant from the proceeds of this year's event, or if you would like to be involved in the running of Carnival 2009, please or contact me through the website www.stmarysvillagecarnival.com.
-- Peter Bennett - Chairman
Carnival Competition Winners- 2008
We had some fantastic prizes in our Fairy Tales Carnival and here are details of just some of the lucky winners. You can find much more information and see our huge range of photos of all the fun on our carnival website on www.stmarysvillagecarnival.com.
Source: Focus, August/Sepember 2008
St Mary's Village Carnival - Photographs
This year's Carnival was another great success.
"Thank you to everyone who helped make Saturday's Carnival so fantastic. As a community event it was quite unsurpassed."
Results and photos are now on the Carnival website.
St Mary's Village Carnival - 5th July 2008
Carnival fun is coming to Eaton Bray and Edlesborough on Saturday, July 5 - the biggest event of the year in the villages.
This year, St Mary's Village Carnival will be opened by the Dean of St Paul's Cathedral, the Rt Rev Graeme Knowles. The dean, a former Dunstable Grammar School pupil, will officially launch the annual event at 1pm at Edlesborough Green, the Carnival site.
All sorts of entertainment has been lined up, and with more than 50 stalls, there is sure to be something for everyone.
A colourful carnival procession on a Fairy Tales theme starts off the fun, led by a steel band and majorettes. More than a dozen fancy dress floats and 30 vintage vehicles will start out from The Orchards, Eaton Bray, at 12 noon and make their way to Edlesborough Green. Neighbours living along the route decorate their houses in line with the carnival theme, to take part in the Best Dressed House contest.
Stalls at the carnival site will open for business at 12 noon.
Carnival entertainment will include a worm charming contest, chainsaw carving, martial arts, a big classic vehicles display and craft demonstrations. Other attractions will include birds of prey, an annual dog show, dancers, majorettes, basket-making and bee-keeping experts, giant inflatables, rides and a Big Wheel.
Clarabelle, the pantomime cow, will again be taking part in a contest, in which people have to guess where she will leave a special 'deposit' in the arena.
Last year, the carnival raised a record-breaking £11,000. Half of the money gathered in each year goes to the St Mary's Church Fabric Fund, and the remainder goes to charities and other good causes.
This year the East of England Air Ambulance Service will be the main worthy cause benefiting from that share of the proceeds.
To find out more, check out the Carnival website at www.stmarysvillagecarnival.com.
St Mary's Village Carnival - 5th July 2008
Get ready for the big day!
That's what our Carnival Queen, princess and attendants will soon be doing, so make sure you turn out to see the girls in their finery and support them on their big day.
Seated in front: Carnival Princess, Jemma Flitton aged 8 from Northall, Carnival Queen Holly Potton aged 10 from Edlesborough.
Standing at back: Attendants Devon Brown, aged 8 and Isabel Dorrance, aged 8 both from Northall.
Goods Collection Day 12.00noon - 2.00pm, Sunday 8th June at Eaton Bray Village Hall: Clear out your attic and those unwanted gifts, get rid of clutter and donate it all to the carnival. Once again we are having a goods collection day. Drop off unwanted items (good quality only please and no large pieces of furniture please) when you visit Eaton bray hall for the Open Gardens Day.
Come and Join Us!
Don't miss our fantastic carnival -you can help us raise money for the Air Ambulance Service and a host of other local charities and good causes by being there on the day. Better still, come and join our team of helpers. You don't need to make a big commitment, but if you can spare even an hour to help, we'll find you a job, and guarantee a welcome and a very friendly team. Contact us on the website - www.stmarysvillagecarnival.com, or at the Goods Collection day.
Source: Focus, June 2008
Carnival Countdown!
Spring Clean for Carnival
Unwanted items lurking in the back of a cupboard? We need good quality unwanted goods - please contact us on the carnival website for collection.
Give us a Hand!
We desperately need more helpers to make carnival day the great event we all love. Please get in touch via the web if you can help us.
Get Your Kit on!
Join the procession with a Fancy Dress Float for your group - book via the carnival website. We also want lots of people walking in the procession in costume. www.stmarysvillagecarnival.com
Source: Focus, May 2008
Carnival Queen
The Carnival Queen, Princess and Attendants were chosen this morning in Eaton Bray Village Hall.
The 2008 Carnival Queen will be Holly Potton. She will be aided by Carnival Princess Jemma Flitton and Attendants Isabel Dorrence and Devon Brown.
The St Mary's Village Carnival will be held on 5th July 2008 with a theme of Fairy Tales, and this year High Street Hair of Eaton Bray will style the hair of the Queen, Princess and attendants.
St Mary's Village Carnival - 5th July 2008
Fairy Tales! - make them come true on Saturday 5th July!
Dressing up for the theme gives our carnival its special atmosphere. Remember the fancy dress float procession and make sure your group books for the parade - we can
help you find a lorry for the parade - contact us on www.stmarysvillagecarnival.com for more information, and let's have more people in wonderful costumes on foot. Make sure you don't miss the best event of the year and help us raise funds for the Air Ambulance Service which provides a vital lifesaving service for our community.
Book a Stall - guaranteed a busy day of trading!
To book a pitch for your group or organisation at the biggest fete in Buckinghamshire, contact Chris Banks and you could rake in the profits. Give your stall the edge by dressing up for our theme...Fairy Tales!
Advertise your business - and reach your customers!
Our carnival programme is widely distributed and read by several thousand households and many local businesses advertise regularly in this publication.
You can book adverts at a competitive price to reach your customers. Contact us through our website for details.
Carnival Queen 2008!
The Carnival Queen, princess and attendants will be chosen at Eaton Bray Village hall on Sunday 27 April at 11.15am. Girls aged from 8 to 13 in the congregation of St Mary's Church or who live in Edlesborough, Eaton Bray, Dagnall or Northall may apply. Application forms are available from Yvonne Ranson.
Completed forms to be returned by Sunday 20 April.
Wanted... Helpers to join our team!
Get into the great community spirit of our villages and help us have a fabulous carnival. If you've never experienced it, come and get involved- you'll get even more out of it and make new friends. Contact Peter Bennett.
Help especially needed for Friday evening and clearing up on Saturday at 5pm.
Source: Focus, April 2008
Carnival 2008 - 5th July - "Fairy Tales"
Wave that magic wand and banish winter gloom! Summon your Fairy Godmother and get ready for a touch of magic! St Mary's Village Carnival is on 5th July 2008 - and this year's theme is Fairy Tales!
Last year's carnival raised over £11,000 for charities - a record breaking sum and that's our target for 2008. With your help we can do it! This year's chief beneficiary will be the Air Ambulance Service. Our VIP guest to open the carnival is The Dean of St Paul's Cathedral (London), the Right Revd Graeme Knowles, originally a local lad whose father was headmaster of Eaton Bray School. The event starts with the procession of floats, then on to Edlesborough Green for a day of fun, entertainment and a huge number of stalls.
Join us - we need more helpers and with a variety of jobs there's sure to be something you can do. Contact Peter Bennett, chairman
Run a stall for your local group, business or charity - Our carnival is the biggest event of its kind in Bucks, so you'll get lots of trade.
We will shortly be writing to local organisations (clubs, societies, charities etc.) who might be interested in taking a fund raising stall at the Carnival. However, it is sometimes difficult to keep mailing lists & contact details current, so if your organisation has not heard from us by the end of February or you are desperate to book a pitch, please download a Booking Form from the Carnival Website: www.stmarysvillagecarnival.com
Carnival Queen - Girls aged between 8 and 13 who live in Edlesborough, Eaton Bray, Dagnall or Northall or who are in the congregation of St Mary's Church may enter. More details on the Carnival Queen page.
Source: Focus, February 2008
Carnival planners hope for a fairy tale ending
Plans for next year's Edlesborough and Eaton Bray carnival are well under way, despite a rumour that it had been scrapped.
This was a misunderstanding following the cancellation of the village's Christmas street market.
The street market was called off after the organisers were landed with a £1,000 road-closure bill.
But Carnival chairman Peter Bennett said this was nothing to do with the 2008 carnival, which will take place on Edlesborough village green on September 5.
"The theme will be Fairy Tales and we are delighted that the carnival will be opened by the Dean of St Paul's Cathedral, the Very Rev Graeme Knowles, who ,was at one time head teacher of Eaton Bray primary school.
"We are already taking bookings from businesses and individuals for pitches on the green on the big day because the carnival has become such a popular community event."
The main beneficiary for the 2008 carnival will by the East Anglia Air Ambulance Service and organisers hope to match 2007's record profit of £11,000 which was given to local charities and good causes.
Source: Leighton Buzzard Observer, 11 December 2007
Ducks sail to victory in the rapid river race
The fourth annual Duck Race in the River Ouzel brought down the curtain on this year's St Mary's Villages Carnival.
The crowds turned out along the route in Eaton Bray and Edlesborough to see 250 plastic ducks launched into the river at the appointed hour.
With a strong current, and against a head wind, the flock was soon spread out. Three ducks established an early lead and led all the way but there was a late surge by what would be described in the Tour de France as the peloton. As a result the duck in third place was overtaken only inches from the finishing line.
Six winners shared £150 and £350 went towards boosting the carnival's profit of £11,000.
The winners were:
- 1st: No.128 - Mrs T Watkin and Ian Ruffle - £37.50 each.
- 2nd: No.217 - Mr & Mrs D Ross and Mrs H McCluskey - £25 each.
- 3rd: No. 243 - Mrs L Chapman and Georgia West - £12.50 each.
Source: Leighton Buzzard Observer, 17 July 2007
St Mary's Village Carnival Duck Race
The fourth annual Duck Race in the River Ouzel brought down the curtain on this year's St Mary's Village carnival. In front of a good crowd, especially of youngsters, 250 ducks were launched into the the river at the appointed hour.
With a strong current and against a head wind the flock was soon spread out. Three ducks established an early lead and led all the way but a late surge, by what would be described in the Tour de France as the peloton, resulted in what until then had been the third placed duck being overtaken only inches from the finishing line. Six winners shared £150 and £350 contributed towards the Carnival's profit of £11,000.
Winners were:
- 1st - #128 - Mrs T Watkin and Ian Ruffle - £37.50 each
- 2nd - #217 - Mr & Mrs D Ross and Mrs H McCluskey - £25 each
- 3rd - #243 - Mrs L Chapman and Georgia West - £12.50 each
More photos and results can be found on the Carnival website.
Source: St Mary's Village Carnival
Carnival 2007 - Favourite Adverts
What a Day! This years Carnival was a record in so many ways. But most of all it seemed like the whole population of the four villages had turned out to celebrate. In the process we raised a staggering £11,000 for local good causes and I say "we" because everyone there deserves credit for the achievement.
Not only did we raise record money but even the worm-charmers achieved a carnival record - 26 worms - congratulations. Many of the stalls sold out and there were queues all day for some of the attractions like the Climbing Wall.
I think we all thought that we would spend the day wet and with mud all over our clothes but not a bit of it. The sun shone for the first time for weeks and, apart from one short shower, the day was dry.
All the results will be found on the Carnival website and so it falls to me to thank all those that attended, all that decorated their houses and all those who gave goods, time and cash to ensure the Carnival's success.
Thanks also to Stephen Rhodes for opening the event and for judging the floats - I know everyone enjoyed his light touch throughout.
Finally, thanks to my magnificent Committee of Chris and Sheila Banks, my wife Eileen, Roger Cook, Sonia Dean, Sue Gladin, Katrina Grant, Gordon Gray, Theo Gray, Bernadette Hillman, Norman and Ann Lee, David Marriage, Heather Martin, Mark Saccoccio, Lin Sargeant, Rebecca Shaw, Peter Thomas, and Roger Wilkinson.
If you have a favourite local good cause please contact me through the website so that they may be considered for a grant from the proceeds of this year's event.
Our web site is www.stmarysvillagecarnival.com - do go there and look at the collection of photographs - you may see yourself!
If you would like to be involved in the running of Carnival 2008 on July 5th contact us, we would love to hear from you.
-- Peter Bennett - Chairman
Source: St Mary's Village Carnival
Thousands enjoy record carnival
Worm charming, belly-dancing, rock climbing and a dog show were just some of the attractions that drew families from all over the region.
Carnival chairman, Peter Bennett, said: "It was phenomenal. There were thousands of people, a record both in terms of how much we raised and the number of visitors.
"We had never seen anything like it. The tea tent ran out of cakes, the stalls emptied, even the tombola. We had to send out for more raffle tickets because of the number we were selling.
"It was wonderful weather - for a change - and we had some new attractions like the Mont Blanc climbing wall that proved a firm favourite. There was a huge queue for it.
"People just didn't want to go home but by the end of the day there was nothing left for them to spend their money on."
This year's theme was favourite adverts and the winners of the Best Dressed House competition, sponsored by the LBO, was 130 High Street, Eaton Bray (Typhoo Tea) and 66 Moor End, Edlesborough. Each home-owner received a cut glass rose bowl.
Carnival day started with local resident and Three Counties Radio host, Stephen Rhodes, judging the floats, before the procession was led off by carnival queen Melissa Sibley, princess Bethan Roberts and attendants Katie Neal and Emma Baldwin.
The carnival began life in the 1960s as the church fete, held in the grounds of Eaton Bray vicarage. In 1965 it moved to nearby Park Farm and, in the 80s, to School Lane, in the village, before making the transition to the more open space of Edlesborough Green.
Since 1995 the event has raised more than £114,500 for local good causes and charities. The last four carnivals alone have produced £10,000 each year clear profit to hand over to help local groups and organisations as well as aid the upkeep of St Mary's Church, Eaton Bray.
And the fund-raising isn't over yet. The villages' annual duck race takes place this Saturday on the River Ouzel between Edlesborough and Eaton Bray.
Carnival press officer, Katrina Grant said: "We would like to thank everyone in our local community who has worked so hard to make it a such a success. Thanks to all our sponsors, the helpers and stall-holders on the day, entertainers, community police, local councils and the public who supported the procession and came to the green to help raise such a magnificent amount of money."
To complement the carnival the new landlords of village pub, the Bell, hosted a pig roast for visitors.
Landlady Alex Maddern said afterwards: "We've only been open six weeks and we were delighted that so many people turned up. We'd like to thank everyone for their support. We've had nothing but positive comments since we opened."
The winner of the Pre School/Lower School category in the float competition was awarded a new trophy in memory of Norah Coates, who was a much loved member of the community and served as a churchwarden at St Mary's Church, Eaton Bray.
Procession of Floats:
- Pre-school and lower school category: 1st Eaton Bray Pre School playgroup; 2nd Eaton Bray Lower School; 3rd Edlesborough Under 5s.
- School-age organisations category : 1st Eaton Bray and Edlesborough Cubs; 2nd Friends of Edlesborough School.
- Family and business category: 1st Janes' Store, Edlesborough; 2nd The Bell Public House, Edlesborough; 3rd the Hawkes Family.
The winner of the Clarabelle the cow's performance in the arena was Mrs S Evans who won £110.
First prize in the grand draw, a weekend for two, at a top hotel in Rome, went to Mr M Bennett.
For more information and pictures about the carnival visit www.stmarysvillagecarnival.com.
Source: Leighton Buzzard Observer, 10 July 2007
Carnival Success!
Thank you to everyone who helped make St Mary's Village Carnival 2007 such a huge success.
CONGRATULATIONS
Together we raised
£11,000
for local good causes
www.stmarysvillagecarnival.com
Photos and results from the day will be available
on the Carnival website very soon.
Carnival fun for villages
It's carnival time for Eaton Bray and Edlesborough this Saturday, the biggest event of the year in the villages.
All sorts of fun has been lined up for St Mary's Village Carnival, including a record number of stalls and attractions.
BBC Three Counties Radio presenter and consumer champion Stephen Rhodes will open the carnival, to be held on Edlesborough Green.
The carnival procession starts out from The Orchards, Eaton Bray, at 12.30pm and arrives at Edlesborough Green at 1.30pm.
Favourite Adverts is the theme for the procession, and there will be lots of people in fancy dress in the parade.
Every year, homes along the route are decked out in line with the procession theme, too, and take part in the Best Dressed House contest.
Exciting new attractions at the carnival include the Mont Blanc climbing wall, and a silent auction offering a chance to bid for some great goodies.
Other features will include the annual companion dog show, with entries from 10.30am and judging at noon.
There will also be a spectacular chainsaw carving display, a troupe of belly dancers and a bigger-than-ever collection of vintage and classic vehicles.
And once again there will also be a quirky worm-charming competition. Clarabelle, the pantomime cow, will also be visiting the carnival for a contest which involves people guessing where she will leave a special deposit in the arena.
Presiding over all the fun will be Carnival Queen Melissa Sibley, Carnival Princess Bethan Roberts, and attendants Emma Baldwin and Katie Neal.
St Mary's Village Carnival started life as a small church fete, but has rapidly grown to become a major local event.
In 2006, the carnival raised a hefty £10,000 for local good causes.
This year, a quarter of the proceeds raised will go to help to improve vehicle access at Edlesborough Cemetery, and a further quarter will benefit other worthy local causes.
The cemetery access work is a much-needed project, especially for people who are disabled or elderly, as the long and slippery path often cannot accommodate vehicles.
Canon Malcolm Grant said: "Because I walk with bereaved people at times of great personal distress, I can assure you the cemetery project will make a very real difference to the people of this parish.
"I have known widows who have had to sit alone in a car at the roadside while their soulmate of more than half a century is laid to rest - because the distance, even in a wheelchair, was too great and cars could not be taken to the new part of the cemetery."
The remaining half of the proceeds from the carnival will go towards maintaining St Mary's Church, Eaton Bray.
To find out more, check out www.stmarysvillagecarnival.com.
- The River Ousel Duck Race will be getting under way on Saturday, July 14 this year. It's all happening on the river by The Meads, Eaton Bray. Tickets will be available at the carnival.
Source: Anne O'Donoghue, Dunstable Gazette, 4 July 2007
Tracing the History of the Carnival
What do the Wild West, Dagnall Church extension and a TV presenter have in common? The answer is quite simple - but only if you have been coming to the St Mary's Village Carnival since 1990. For those of you now intrigued, the Wild West was the theme of the carnival in 2001, Pam Rhodes opened the 1998 Carnival and Dagnall Church Extension was one of the good causes supported by the 2005 event.
Thames Valley Police consider the Carnival to be the biggest single annual event that they police, other than the Bucks County Show. But how did four villages manage to create this great family day out - not to mention raise over £103,000 for local good causes since 1995?
The Carnival itself has been taking place for much more than 12 years though. It began as a traditional church fete, first in the Vicarage Garden and then in 1965 it moved to Park Farm in Eaton Bray. By 1988, however, it had outgrown its Park Farm site and was moved to Eaton Bray Recreational Ground. Its stay there was short-lived because in the following year it again transformed itself, under the guidance of Mel Grundy when the decision was taken to alternate between Eaton Bray Recreational Ground and Edlesborough Green. Accordingly the 1989 Carnival was the first to be held in Edlesborough. However, the huge advantage that the open space of Edlesborough Green gave soon became evident and, despite initial intentions, the Carnival has never moved back to Eaton Bray. Anyone coming to the Carnival today will recognise that with the parade, the arena events, dog show, classic car show and range of entertainment, the Carnival has long since ceased to be a village fete.
Since 1990, the Carnival has been opened by a long list of local personalities. These include 4 local councillors, 3 TV or radio presenters, 2 MPs and.....instead of a partridge in a pear tree - you can take your pick from one vicar, a celebrity chef and a disabled athlete! The Carnival has also been opened by a local GP, two local shopkeepers and last year, by Mel Grundy, whose idea it was to develop the 'fete' into today's Carnival. Taking over from Mel as Chairman of the Carnival Committee was Gordon Gray and from 2003 onwards, Peter Bennett.
Over the years, as well as supporting the St Mary's Church fabric fund (which pays for maintenance on the church building in Eaton Bray), the Carnival has raised money for the Florence Nightingale, Iain Rennie and Luton and South Beds Hospices, Keech Cottage, the Silver Star Society at the John Radcliffe Hospital, the Stoke Mandeville Cancer Unit and the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust, all of which have helped local residents. The Carnival has also raised funds for a myriad of local good causes, from playgroups and Scout groups to the Dunstable and District disabled typing club and St John Ambulance.
One feature of the Carnival that has stayed constant thoroughout its history is the great support it receives each year from you - the great public of the four villages!
For each of the last four years, we have raised £10,000 for the good causes. (Note this is the actual amount donated to good causes and not the amount generated in 'turnover'!) The most raised in a single year was £10,700 in 2003 - help us on 7th July 2007 to beat this and get £11,000!
All Rhodes leads to Edlesborough
It's carnival time for Eaton Bray and Edlesborough this Saturday (July 7), the biggest event of the year in the villages.
All sorts of fun has been lined up for St Mary's Village Carnival, including a record number of stalls and attractions.
BBC Three Counties Radio presenter and consumer champion Stephen Rhodes will open the carnival, held on Edlesborough Green.
The carnival procession starts out from The Orchards, Eaton Bray, at 12.30pm and arrives at Edlesborough Green at 1.30pm.
Favourite Adverts is the theme for the procession, and there will be lots of people in fancy dress in the parade.
Every year, homes along the route are decked out in line with the procession theme, too, and take part in the Best Dressed House contest.
Exciting new attractions at the carnival include the Mont Blanc climbing wall, and a silent auction offering a chance to bid for some great goodies.
Other features will include the annual companion dog show, with entries from 10.30am and judging at 12 noon.
There will also be a spectacular chainsaw carving display, a troupe of belly dancers and a bigger-than-ever collection of vintage and classic vehicles.
And once again there will also be a quirky worm-charming competition. Last year, the record was set by someone who charmed eight worms in 30 minutes.
Clarabelle, the pantomime cow, will also be visiting the carnival for a special contest, which involves people guessing where she will leave a special deposit in the arena.
Source: Leighton Buzzard Observer, 3 July 2007
Favourite Adverts
We're almost ready for carnival on 7th July and here is our queen with the princess and attendants who are now preparing for their big day leading the procession and presiding over the occasion. Pictured are
(back row from left) Katie Neal -attendant, Bethan Roberts -carnival princess, Emma Baldwin -attendant and in front, Melissa Sibley our carnival queen.
But before the big day, watch out for Clarabel the Cow's visit to the villages later in June. It's just £1 a shot to guess where Clarabel will make her special deposit and it might win you a big cash prize so make sure you don't miss Clarabel. And here are just some of the exciting things you can join in with on the day:
The Procession - get dressed up and come on a float or on foot.
Best Dressed House Competition - if you're home is on the procession route, give us a good display and you could win a beautiful trophy from our sponsor, Leighton Buzzard Observer.
Worm Charming - some amazing techniques and strong competition Silent Auction - place your bids for some top quality items.
Climbing Wall - new challenge this year scaling the heights.
Clarabel's Lucky Cash Prize - Don't miss Clarabel the Cow's performance in the arena. Guess where she will make her special deposit and you could win a substantial cash prize-the more guesses the bigger the prize!
The Grand Draw - Some of the best prizes for miles around.
Of course we'll also have vintage vehicles, belly dancing, chainsaw carving, traditional home baking, tombola, and many other sideshows, stalls and entertainments so make sure you're there for a fun filled day.
For more info, check out the carnival website www.stmarysvillagecarnival.com
Source: Focus, June 2007
St Mary's Village Carnival 2007
You can be a winner on 7 July at our village carnival and there are some great opportunities to win prizes at this year's event which include:
- The Grand Draw - fantastic prizes as ever: tickets on sale soon
- Clarabel the Cow's Big Cash Bonanza
- Best Dressed House competition - beautiful trophies from the Leighton Buzzard Observer
- Worm Charming Championship
- Best fancy Dress Float in the Parade
We guarantee a whole day of fun and entertainment for everyone on Edlesborough Green so be sure to invite friends and family to come along. Full details of the big day will be published in your free guide to our carnival which will be distributed next month with Focus magazine.
Goods Collection Day - Sunday 10 June
We will have a goods collection day on Sunday 10 June at Edlesborough Hall from 12.00pm - 2.00pm where you will also be able to buy plants and have tea as part of the Open Gardens Event. No bulky furniture or junk please: we're looking for good quality items which are saleable. Your kind donations can help us meet the challenge of raising money for local good causes.
Our Website
Check out our website for photos of past carnivals and details of what's new and how to help. www.stmarysvillagecarnival.com
Source: Focus, May 2007
Pretty girls will lead the carnival
The launch of this year's spectacular St Mary's Carnival got off to a dazzling start when four little girls from Eaton Bray and Edlesborough were picked to star in the event.
Eight-year-old Melissa Sibley, from Edlesborough, has been chosen as this year's carnival queen. With her leading the carnival parade will be Eaton Bray youngsters Bethan Roberts, eight, as her princess, and Emma Baldwin, nine, and Katie Neal, 10, as attendants.
This year's carnival, being held on Edlesborough Green on July 7, has the theme of favourite adverts and will feature some new ideas, including a climbing wall for the more adventurous, and a silent auctions for those looking for a bargain.
As usual the day will kick off with a colourful parade through the two villages while the Green will play host to stalls, sideshows, games and arena events.
Proceeds from the day will be split between St Mary's Church, the Edlesborough Cemetery Access Project and local groups and organisations.
The carnival committee is always looking for volunteers to help make the day run smoothly. If you can offer any help contact chairman, Peter Bennett.
Pictured left to right are: Emma, Melissa, Katie and Bethan.
For more information, see the Carnival website - www.stmarysvillagecarnival.com.
Source: Village News, Leighton Buzzard Observer, 24 April 2007
Carnival Queen 2007
The Carnival Queen, Princess and Attendants for the 2007 St Mary's Village Carnival were chosen this morning in Eaton Bray Village Hall.
The results were as follows:
- Queen: Melissa Sibley
- Princess: Bethan Roberts
- Attendants: Emma Baldwin, Katie Neal
Pictures will soon be available on the St Mary's Village Carnival website.
The Carnival itself will take place on 7 July 2007. If you are able to offer your help, please get in contact with the Carnival Committee.
Update (19-Apr): Pictures are now available.
Source: St Mary's Village Carnival
St Mary's Village Carnival 2007 - Favourite Adverts
Our Survey Said...
Thank you to those who sent in responses to our survey earlier in the year. You told us quite clearly that you love our carnival just as it is. There were some suggestions for things we already do... so make sure when you come to the carnival that you don't miss a thing, whether it's the cake stall, BBQ or the entertainment in the arena. Your carnival programme will give you full details. The carnival format will stay the same but we do like to introduce some new things to entertain you all.
Booking a Stall is so easy...
To book a pitch for your group or organisation, contact Chris Banks and you could be raking in the profits. And remember to give your stall the edge by dressing up for our theme... Favourite Adverts.
Advertise your local business
The carnival programme is widely distributed and read by several thousand households and many local businesses advertise regularly in this publication. You can book adverts at a competitive price to reach your customers.
Contact our website or chairman Peter Bennett for details.
Wanted...Helpers and... a 20 foot shipping container!
We would love to hear from people who would like to help with the carnival. The great community spirit of our villagers is the reason we have such a wonderful event each summer. If you've never experienced it, come and get involved, because that way you'll get even more out of it.
Contact us on: www.stmarysvillagecarnival.com
New for 2007
Climbing Wall
Especially for those who like a little adventure.
Scaling Mount Everest it's not, but we expect this one to be a big hit. Can you make it to the top?
Silent Auction
Shhhh... It's a great way to choose the price you want to pay for that special item,...but prepare for some fierce competition. We are expecting some very interesting lots for bidding, but you'll need to keep an eye on your favourites.
Source: St Mary's Village Carnival
Carnival Queen & Princess
St Mary's Village Carnival 2007
Would you like to lead the Carnival Procession and open the Fete on Saturday 7th July? Are you aged between 8 and 13 years?
If so you could be the Carnival Queen or Princess we are looking for.
To take part all you have to do is complete and return an entry form and come along to Eaton Bray Village Hall on Sunday 15 April at 11.15am when the Queen, Princess and two Attendants will be chosen.
See the St Mary's Village Carnival website for more details.
Carnival 2007 - Favourite Adverts
While we shiver in freezing February, it's all hotting up for carnival organisers who are busy lining up events for our warmer months.
This year, St Mary's Village Carnival, for Eaton Bray, Edlesborough, Northall and Dagnall, will be on Saturday, July 7- or, to put it another way, on 07-07-07. Catchy.
And this time, the theme will be Favourite Adverts, so it's time to start putting on your thinking cap if you're taking part in the procession.
It's a great day, and I'm always impressed with the trouble taken by people who live along the procession route, who "dress up" their houses on the carnival theme, too.
Extra people power is always helpful, and the carnival organisers are looking for volunteers.
And they're looking for stock for the stalls and prizes for the grand draw.
If you'd like to find out more, check out the website at www.stmarysvillagecarnival.com.
Source: Anne O'Donoghue, Dunstable Gazette, 7 February 2007
It's a Blockbuster
Thank you very much to everybody who turned out to support St Mary's Village Carnival and make it our best ever. The costumes and procession and Best Dressed Houses were fantastic and despite the lure of national sporting events on our big day, you helped us raise the magnificent sum of over £10,500 for local charities and good causes.
It was a superb event with more stalls and attractions than we have ever had before and a range of entertainment to suit all ages for a fun day out.
Special thanks must go to all members of the carnival committee who have worked so hard during the year to plan the event, and to everybody who rallied round to help with collecting goods, setting up the green, tidying up, running stalls, collecting money, selling tickets. Every helper is very important and is greatly appreciated. Thank you also to those who generously sponsored prizes, bought raffle tickets, or supported Clarabel or helped in any other way. We couldn't do it without you.
This year, as well as the fabric fund of our beautiful parish church, the main beneficiary will be Iain Rennie Hospice at Home, and the remainder of funds will be distributed to other local charities.
If you wish to nominate a charity to benefit from the proceeds of our carnival, please speak to Carnival Chairman, Peter Bennett. Later in the year, details will be published explaining how the funds will be distributed.
For lots more information about our carnival and for a superb photo gallery of the event, log on to our website, www.stmarysvillagecarnival.com
Source: Focus, August 2006
Annual Carnival a Record-Breaking Success
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
Fantastic carnival raises over £10,000
Stiff competition from the World Cup and Wimbledon didn't deter thousands of people from flocking to Edlesborough Green on Saturday for the area's biggest carnival.
The blistering sun gave the St Mary's Carnival a Hollywood feel as the village played host to a spectacular event themed around the movies that resulted in last year's record £10,000 profit being well and truly trounced.
Marching bands, majorettes, vintage cars and a dazzling display of floats formed a pageant through Eaton Bray and Edlesborough at the start of the carnival.
Then it was on to the Green, which saw an increasing number of stalls and attractions to make families part with their cash.
One of the most popular events was the football shoot out - but luckily nobody on Edlesborough Green was sent off or injured! There was also worm charming, belly dancing, a dog show and wood carving.
The Leighton Buzzard Observer again sponsored two crystal trophies for the winners of the best dressed house along the procession route. The winner for Eaton Bray was Rachel McVeigh, at 100 High Street, for her Star Wars theme, and the Edlesborough prize went to Janes' shop for their display featuring The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.
The Grand Draw's first prize of a weekend for two in Rome was won by Trevor Rix, of The Orchards, Eaton Bray. The second prize of tea at the Houses of Parliament with local MP Andrew Selous was won by Maggie Kerr.
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, fund-raising, 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."
Photos and more results from the day are available from www.stmarysvillagecarnival.com
Source: Leighton Buzzard Observer, 4 July 2006
Carnival 2006
Our thanks to all who contributed to this year's Carnival - we appreciate everyone's involvement in and support for this remarkable church and community effort.
An enormous vote of thanks goes to Peter Bennett and his stalwart team for the organisation of the whole event, and to all the helpers who set everying up, manned (and womanned) the stalls and attractions and cleared up afterwards. Well done, everyone!
Photos and Results are now available.
Don't forget that this year's Duck Race is on Saturday 8th July at 1.00pm along the River Ouzel from Summerleys to the bridge at the end ot The Meads. Tickets available around the villages on the day, or from Gordon Gray during the week.
Source: St Mary's Village Carnival website
Big screen scene setter for carnival
The day will start rolling at 12.30pm, when a colourful carnival procession leaves The Orchards, Eaton Bray, and winds its way through the village and into Edlesborough.
Neighbours living along the route always deck out their houses on the carnival theme and as usual, there will be prizes for each of the best-decorated houses in Eaton Bray and Edlesborough.
Then at 1.30pm the carnival will be officially opened on Edlesborough Green by a familiar figure, Mel Grundy, who founded Vansar Blinds.
Mel, who has now retired, has lived in Eaton Bray for 39 years and managed the parish fete's transformation into a village carnival in the early 1990s as carnival chairman.
This year. the packed programme of fun will include belly dancing, a kite-flying display, Jazzercise, a classic cars parade, a dog show. Dagnall School country dancing, worm charming. and a grand draw.
There will be hot air balloon rides if the weather permits, birds of prey will be on display, and there will be a chainsaw carver, other craft demonstrations, bouncy castles, giant inflatables, children's rides and lots of other things to do and see.
Clarabelle the pantomime cow will be there for her contest which involves carnival visitors trying to guess where she will leave a "message".
Presiding over all the fun will be Carnival Queen Anna Cella, with Carnival Princess Lucy Everson and attendants Annabelle French and Zara Rogers.
The Olympic Worm Charming Championship is coming to Edlesborough Green in 2012. So this year's worm charming event at the carnival will be a great opportunity to develop your technique.
The organisers say that the world record for worm charming is 511 worms in 30 minutes. So far, the St Mary's Village Carnival charmers have failed to equal that.
But this year's contestants can try to beat the results of winners from previous years. Previous winners include: 2003, Stacey Loczy, two worms; 2004, David Griffiths, five worms: and 2005, Gill Ratherham, eight worms.
Worms may not be dug out of the ground. Only vibrations can be used to lure them out. Garden forks can be stuck in the ground and vibrated manually to coax the worms to the surface.
Organisers also say that worm charming can involve music, and suggest useful tunes could include Good Vibrations or Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head. The most successful method used so far has been hand-vibrating a four-tine garden fork inserted about 15cms into the turf.
The dog show will include pedigree and novelty classes and entries are from 10.30am, with judging at noon. Entry is £1 per class.
Pedigree classes will include: any variety of puppy, aged up to 12 months; any variety, sporting; any variety, nonsporting, includes pastoral; any variety, open; and youngsters aged up to 15 can take part in a junior handling class. Novelty classes include: best local dog living within a fivemile radius; best veteran, any dog aged over seven; handsomest dog; prettiest bitch; dog with the waggiest tail; and the dog the judge would most like to take home.
Birds of Bray, a local falconry team, will bring along captivebred birds of prey to the carnival. People can chat to the team, and take pictures of the birds.
Top prize in the grand draw will be a weekend in Rome. Second prize will be a trip to the Houses of Parliament with South West Beds MP Andrew Selous.
There will be trophies for the best entry in each of three categories in the carnival procession. They are: preschool/lower school; junior school; adult/family/business. Every entry is given a certificate.
There is no charge for taking part in the procession, and you do not have to enter afloat. You could walk, push a pram, or even stilt walk.
Last-minute entries who do not need transport can just turn up at The Orchards, Eaton Bray, between 10.30am and 11.30am on the day.
Entries should be themed. Judging takes place at noon.
The carnival procession will travel from The Orchards, Eaton Bray, along the High Street, into Moor End, and then past the shops in Edlesborough, left into Brook Street, along The Green, right into Brownlow Avenue, right into Pebblemoor, finally entering the carnival site through the Memorial Hall car park.
Source: Dunstable Gazette, 28 June 2006
Clarabelle in moo-d for fun day
A pantomime cow visited a Dunstable school to teach the pupils about teamwork and get them in the moo-d for a village carnival.
Clarabelle the cow is an important part of the Eaton Bray and Edlesborough Carnival team, pupils at Ashton Middle School heard, and helped to raise more than £10,000 last year for charity.
Canon Malcolm Grant, vicar of Eaton Bray with Edlesborough, told the children: "If you want to achieve success, working together as a team is very important because in a team everyone pulls together and helps one another.
"Just think the work TEAM - Together Each Achieves More.
"Good teamwork is important whether it is doing something for your school, fundraising for a charity or everyday life in our families.
"Clarabelle is a great example, helping our carnival team with its aim of having a big success on July 1 with St Mary's Village Carnival at Edlesborough Green."
This year, 25 per cent of the money raised at the carnival will be given to the Iain Rennie Hospice, with funds also going to repair St Mary's in Eaton Bray and to local charities and good causes.
Source: Dunstable Gazette, 28 June 2006
Thousands expected at spectacular day of fun
The curtain rises on Saturday on this year's spectacular St Mary's Village Carnival which will see hundreds of people descend onto Edlesborough Green for a day of fun.
And with a "Films" theme the organisers are hoping for a box office hit that will see receipts top the £10,000 that was raised from the 2005 event.
The shop opens with a dazzling parade through the streets of Eaton Bray and Edlesborough that starts from The Orchards at 12.30pm and takes an hour to wend its way through the two villages before arricing at The Green.
Brightly-decorated floats from community groups, shops and schools will be headed by carnival queen Anna Cella, princess Lucy Everson and attendants Annabelle French and Zara Rogers and there will be a crowd of fancy-dressed "extras" accompanying the procession on foot.
And villagers will be hoping to win the carnival's coveted "Oscar" - a stunning cut glass Best Dressed House trophy that Leighton Buzzard Observer provides for the best dressed house in each of the two villages.
This year's movie theme should provide plenty of ideas for villagers - whether it's children's animations, horror, family fun or westers, so make your house an epic to remember.
Carnival committee chairman Peter Bennett, said: "This year our carnival will have more stalls and attractions than ever before, and we hope to beat last year's record sum raised for local charities.
"One of the main beneficiaries will be the Iain Rennie Hospice, well known locally for their outstanding care and support of people with terminal illness.
"Thanks to the hard work and generosity of many people we look forward to a wonderful carnival day with some fantastic prizes and entertainment for all ages."
Visitors to the carnival will be able to enjoy dozens of stalls, hot air balloon rides, stunt kite displays, chainsaw wood carving, a dog show, worm charming, belly dancers and the ever popular Clarabelle the Cow.
For more information about the event visit www.stmarysvillagecarnival.com.
Source: Leighton Buzzard Observer, 27 June 2006
Cow pays a visit to butchers!
Customers at an Eaton Bray butchers had an udderly bizarre experience on Saturday when Clarabelle the pantomime cow paid a visit.
You might expect cow to be served at the butchers - but not when the cow walks into the shop to sell raffle tickets to the customers.
Clarabelle is a popular attraction at the Eaton Bray and Edlesborough Carnival, which this year takes place on July 1, and she took time out from her showbiz duties to make a personal appearance at Hines the butchers in Eaton Bray High Street.
Last year, carnival organisers handed over more than £10,000 to different local charities and they hope to maintain that success for 2006 when one of the main beneficiaries will be the Iain Rennie Hospice.
This year's carnival theme is "Films" and local organisations are getting ready to design their floats for the big parade which runs from The Orchards, Eaton Bray to the carnival venue on Edlesborough Green.
Householders are also being encouraged to decorate their homes in a bid to win the prestigious LBO Trophy for the Best Dressed House.
Source: Leighton Buzzard Observer, 13 June 2006
Make our Carnival a Box Office Hit!
Saturday 1st July
Make sure you don't miss our village carnival on Saturday 1st July! Even if you are not in a local organisation which has booked a float for the carnival procession, you can still be part of the big parade. Why not get together with your neighbours and have a float for your street? For information about the parade, please contact Gordon Gray.
We also want lots of people to get dressed up and join in the parade on foot - so start looking out your costume for our Films theme now so that we have a procession full of movie stars!
Best Dressed House
Once again, thanks to the Leighton Buzzard Observer, we will have a Best Dressed House competition. We have had some excellent competitors in recent years and would love to have some more village homes turned into film theme scenes this July.
Carnival Goods Collection Day
New this year, we have a special carnival Goods Collection Day to help you to get those donated items handed in with ease. If you have goods to donate, please bring them to Eaton Bray Village Hall on Sunday 11 June from 12.00noon - 3.00pm. We are happy to receive unwanted gifts, books, plants, white elephant items, home baking (which can be frozen) and plants. What a great opportunity to clear out your clutter and help our carnival! But please, no junk or bulky furniture.
Clarabelle the Panto Cow's special advance visit
This year, we are privileged to have an advance visit to the village by Clarabelle, our tame pantomime cow (all the way from Clowns Fancy Dress store in Dunstable) for the weekend of 10 and 11 June. Clarabelle will be helping to promote the carnival - so look out for her round the village shops on Saturday 10 June and at Eaton Bray Village Hall on Sunday 11 June, our goods collection day. You will have a chance to enter the special competition for Clarabelle's hugely popular performance on the green at the carnival. She will also be helping to sell tickets for our wonderful raffle which has some fantastic prizes.
Helpers wanted!
We know St Mary's Village Carnival is one of the biggest and best across Beds and Bucks - but that is only because of the generosity and sheer hard work of many people and we can never have too many helpers. We really want more helpers for Friday Evening - 30th June; with setting up the green on Saturday morning - 1st July, or for a short spell helping on a stall. Please contact Peter Bennett. Most importantly though, make sure you come to the carnival with your friends and family for a fantastic day out on July 1st.
Get full details about the carnival on our website: www.StMarysVillageCarnival.com
Source: Focus, June 2006