What
are your Memories of the Carnival? Please submit them to us, for
inclusion on this site, by email
Here's some we received earlier please click on the thumbnails
to see the full size photographs that accomany these memories: Mrs
Margaret Hickie
"Preparations took weeks, mums sat making fancy dress costumes,
not for one child, but for all the family. My mum used to make
us costumes, some just made with coloured crepe paper, some with
scraps of material. I remember going round pub yards asking for
bottle tops so mum could dress me up for the Carnival as the"
bottle top kid! One time she made a skirt and jacket out of crepe
paper, and lovingly sewed an assortment of buttons and bows on
to the outfit. The Carnival that I remember the most is when I
was dressed as a cavewoman. All mum used was an old sack bag to
make a dress and shoes. My hair was tousled and I had gravy browning
smeared on my face to give me a dirty look. Pieces of fern were
used to decorate the front of my outfit and to complete my mum
went to the butchers and got the biggest bone ever. I won 1st
prize, which I think it was £5.00, this was a lot of money
to me and it was fun. We still look back at those days and smile.
It would be so nice to see Long Eaton Carnival back. I definitely
will be standing at the roadside watching the parade."
Mrs Beryl Wallis (Long Eaton Carnival 1948)
"Miss Beryl Clarke now Mrs Beryl Wallis was chosen at The
Peoples Hall by the Duchess of Portland as Carnival Queen. The
Master of Ceremonies was Harry Makin for Portland College for
the disabled. Beryl was crowned by Mrs Lt. Col. McIntosh - this
took place on West Park, she then had tea with Councillor Harold
Martin. There followed a Carnival Ball at The Peoples Hall and
Beryl gave a midnight speech in Long Eaton Market Place. The trade's
people of Long Eaton supported the Carnival and funds were raised
for Portland College for the disabled.
Mrs Brenda Hind
The following photograph (click to view full scale) was kindly
loaned to us by Mrs Brenda Hind of Breaston. It dates from approximately
1938. "My sister is on the left of the Carnival Queen, and
she was asked to take part by Mr Algie Perks"
Elaine Philips
Local Long Eaton girl Eliane Philips was runner up in the 1960
Sandiacre Carnival. Elaine worked in Long Eaton as a machinist
at the time. We are promoting the Long Eaton Carnival but because
Elaine was so willing to share her memories we thought it only
fitting that she be included here. So thank you Elaine!
