THE BLOXIDGE TALLYGRAPH
The online Community News and Local History Magazine for Bloxwich & District - Edditid by a Bloxidge mon!
Bloxwich Carnival 2008 - Simply Amazing!
Dateline: 2 August 2008
Bloxwich Carnival 2008 - Report and photographs by Stuart Williams
This year's 56th Bloxwich Carnival, which took place on Saturday 2 August, was a surprise success - surprising because of the weather! It looked very much like we were in for a wet and dismal Carnival, after heavy showers overnight and a great deal of cloud overcast, but in the end we were very lucky as, no sooner had the Carnival Queen and her entourage swept gracefully into the Promenade Gardens, than the sun began to shine brightly, as it did for most of the rest of the day.
In fact, despite the trials and tribulations that always attend such events, Bloxwich Carnival was a great success, and was rightly rewarded with one of the largest attendances in recent years, which bodes well for the charity.
Having been introduced to a huge crowd of Bloxwich folk by Carnival Chairman Ken Worley, The Mayor of Walsall, Blakenall-born Cllr. Tom Ansell, formally opened the Carnival and welcomed the people of Bloxwich to their most important annual event: Bloxwich Carnival.
The Carnival then began in time-honoured fashion, with the crowning of the 45th Carnival Queen, Samantha Footman, and her entourage - this year's Carnival Princess Charlotte Ann Richards, the 2008 Rosebud little Saffron Lily Law, and last but not least the 2007 Carnival Queen, Lindy Barnsley. Suffice to say, these young ladies all looked lovely, and their appearance was cheered on by the huge crowd that overflowed the High Street and on to the Promenade Gardens, where the ceremonials traditionally take place in front of the Bloxwich Fountain.
The 2008 tiaras were proudly handed out on a red velvet cushion by Lindy Barnsley as the past Queen. Tom Perrett, Chairman of Walsall's New Deal for Communities, graciously crowned this year's Queen, the Princess was crowned by the Mayor, and the Rosebud by the member of Parliament for Walsall North, Mr. David Winnick, MP.
Following this, the Rosebud presented the Mayoress, Mrs. Rosemary Ansell, with a bouquet of flowers.
2008 Bloxwich Carnival Queen, Samantha Footman,
is crowned by Tom Perrett
Simply beautiful: L to R: Charlotte Ann Richards, Samantha Footman, Lindy Barnsley and (front) Saffron Lily Law
The Carnival Royalty having been duly crowned by the dignitaries and warmly welcomed by the loyal folk of Bloxwich, the young Carnival Ambassadors, representing local primary schools, were presented with their medallions by other dignitaries including the Mayoress, Mr. Tom Perrett, Mr. Paul Rowlands, Chief Executive of New Deal, Mrs. Rowlands, Inspector Amanda McPhee of Bloxwich Police Station, Mr. David Winnick, MP and Cllr. Louise Harrison.
The youngsters were selected by their head teachers for their outstanding efforts and achievements during the past academic year. On the big day they also joined the Carnival Procession in an open top replica vintage bus.
Setting a good example - The young Carnival Ambassadors!
Once the final ceremonies were complete, they were closed by Carnival Chairman Ken Worley, and the traditional Carnival Procession prepared to get under way, their route being along the High Street, then left along Field Road, and finally left again to return to the town centre via Lichfield Road.
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Bloxwich Carnival 2008 - Report and photographs by Stuart Williams
This year's 56th Bloxwich Carnival, which took place on Saturday 2 August, was a surprise success - surprising because of the weather! It looked very much like we were in for a wet and dismal Carnival, after heavy showers overnight and a great deal of cloud overcast, but in the end we were very lucky as, no sooner had the Carnival Queen and her entourage swept gracefully into the Promenade Gardens, than the sun began to shine brightly, as it did for most of the rest of the day.In fact, despite the trials and tribulations that always attend such events, Bloxwich Carnival was a great success, and was rightly rewarded with one of the largest attendances in recent years, which bodes well for the charity.
Having been introduced to a huge crowd of Bloxwich folk by Carnival Chairman Ken Worley, The Mayor of Walsall, Blakenall-born Cllr. Tom Ansell, formally opened the Carnival and welcomed the people of Bloxwich to their most important annual event: Bloxwich Carnival.
The Mayor of Walsall, Cllr. Tom Ansell
The Carnival then began in time-honoured fashion, with the crowning of the 45th Carnival Queen, Samantha Footman, and her entourage - this year's Carnival Princess Charlotte Ann Richards, the 2008 Rosebud little Saffron Lily Law, and last but not least the 2007 Carnival Queen, Lindy Barnsley. Suffice to say, these young ladies all looked lovely, and their appearance was cheered on by the huge crowd that overflowed the High Street and on to the Promenade Gardens, where the ceremonials traditionally take place in front of the Bloxwich Fountain.The 2008 tiaras were proudly handed out on a red velvet cushion by Lindy Barnsley as the past Queen. Tom Perrett, Chairman of Walsall's New Deal for Communities, graciously crowned this year's Queen, the Princess was crowned by the Mayor, and the Rosebud by the member of Parliament for Walsall North, Mr. David Winnick, MP.
Following this, the Rosebud presented the Mayoress, Mrs. Rosemary Ansell, with a bouquet of flowers.
2008 Bloxwich Carnival Queen, Samantha Footman,
is crowned by Tom Perrett
Simply beautiful: L to R: Charlotte Ann Richards, Samantha Footman, Lindy Barnsley and (front) Saffron Lily Law
The Carnival Royalty having been duly crowned by the dignitaries and warmly welcomed by the loyal folk of Bloxwich, the young Carnival Ambassadors, representing local primary schools, were presented with their medallions by other dignitaries including the Mayoress, Mr. Tom Perrett, Mr. Paul Rowlands, Chief Executive of New Deal, Mrs. Rowlands, Inspector Amanda McPhee of Bloxwich Police Station, Mr. David Winnick, MP and Cllr. Louise Harrison.
The youngsters were selected by their head teachers for their outstanding efforts and achievements during the past academic year. On the big day they also joined the Carnival Procession in an open top replica vintage bus.
The 2008 Bloxwich Carnival Ambassadors were Joe Worrallo, Lawson Screen, Jack Logan, Aidan Spragg, Christopher Green, Liam Rounds, Adam Hill, Millicent Matthews, Sophie Lees, Emma Till, Katie Thompson, Eva-Maria Taylor, Behtany Matthews, and Charlie Wellings. They came from (in no particular order) Blakenall Heath Junior School, Christ Church Primary School, Mossley Primary School, Green Rock Primary School, Harden Primary School, Abbey Primary School, and Elmore Green Primary School.
Setting a good example - The young Carnival Ambassadors!
Once the final ceremonies were complete, they were closed by Carnival Chairman Ken Worley, and the traditional Carnival Procession prepared to get under way, their route being along the High Street, then left along Field Road, and finally left again to return to the town centre via Lichfield Road.
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The Procession
This year's Procession was sadly depleted compared to others, though no less credit should be given to those participating for all that. The situation with regard to obtaining trucks for the floats has been getting steadily worse in recent years, what with the cost of insurance and fuel, and the growth of corporate disinterest in helping the local community. The difficulties are now so great that the available trucks are few and this year the Pirates of the 1st Bloxwich Scouts were badly let down by the company which had promised to provide their transport! Shame on that company, whoever they are - but great credit to the Scouts, who picked up their gear and their banners and joined the procession in some style - on foot! Well done Bloxwich Scouts!
Walsall Coronets Marching Band led the Procession
Followed smartly by the Mayor's car, the famous and historic DH1
Not to be outdone, the Carnival Queen and her entourage followed in style! Their Rolls Royce, kindly donated for the day by local businessman John Cavill, had pride of place in the Procession.
The young Ambassadors were having fun on their very special bus!
Walsall Pensioners Convention put on a classic show with their vintage Austin car
The undaunted 1st Bloxwich Scouts stepped out smartly despite their missing transport
Compton Hospice presented a mini-float on an Indiana Jones theme...
... which was well-acted out by a mini-cast of Indiana Jones and his movie friends!
Watmos made "heroic" efforts with their "super" float...
... which went down with a WHAM, BAM AND KAPOW!
The ladies of Beacon Radio followed the heroes in their thunder-mobile
And small, but beautifully marked - Dennis Latham's 'Grapevine' barrow was followed by a large fried breakfast of the kind popular in Bloxwich cafe's!
The Young Persons Information Centre float was all about good health and healthy eating, and won Best Float
Bloxwich Community Partnership's float from the ever-imaginative young people of the 'Electric Palace' encouraged dance as an aid to good health (and a lot of fun!)
Goodchilds Estate Agents & Lettings were also helping fund-raise as they did last year. Walking with them were young members of Bentley's 'Dragons FC' youth football team (in green strip), collecting money to help them get to Wembley on 11 August. Having played in a FA festival they were awarded the fair play award so now get to play in the tournament at Wembley.
The sleek Walsall Community Transport minibus was followed by the St. John Ambulance and a Bloxwich Fire Engine
And finally... that same engine from Bloxwich Fire Station concluded the procession in style!
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Walsall Coronets Marching Band led the Procession
Followed smartly by the Mayor's car, the famous and historic DH1
Not to be outdone, the Carnival Queen and her entourage followed in style! Their Rolls Royce, kindly donated for the day by local businessman John Cavill, had pride of place in the Procession.
The young Ambassadors were having fun on their very special bus!
Walsall Pensioners Convention put on a classic show with their vintage Austin car
The undaunted 1st Bloxwich Scouts stepped out smartly despite their missing transport
Compton Hospice presented a mini-float on an Indiana Jones theme...
... which was well-acted out by a mini-cast of Indiana Jones and his movie friends!
Watmos made "heroic" efforts with their "super" float...
... which went down with a WHAM, BAM AND KAPOW!
The ladies of Beacon Radio followed the heroes in their thunder-mobile
And small, but beautifully marked - Dennis Latham's 'Grapevine' barrow was followed by a large fried breakfast of the kind popular in Bloxwich cafe's!
The Young Persons Information Centre float was all about good health and healthy eating, and won Best Float
Bloxwich Community Partnership's float from the ever-imaginative young people of the 'Electric Palace' encouraged dance as an aid to good health (and a lot of fun!)
Goodchilds Estate Agents & Lettings were also helping fund-raise as they did last year. Walking with them were young members of Bentley's 'Dragons FC' youth football team (in green strip), collecting money to help them get to Wembley on 11 August. Having played in a FA festival they were awarded the fair play award so now get to play in the tournament at Wembley.
The sleek Walsall Community Transport minibus was followed by the St. John Ambulance and a Bloxwich Fire Engine
And finally... that same engine from Bloxwich Fire Station concluded the procession in style!
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Outstanding in their Field - at King George's!
Well, last but certainly not least we come to the concluding event of Bloxwich Carnival - the good old Pat Collins Fun Fair, stalls and arena entertainments traditionally held at King George V's Playing Fields.
Of course, Pat Collins "The Bloxwich Showman" and politician who made Bloxwich his adopted home was one of the powers behind the old Bloxwich Wakes from which the Carnival traditionally descends, so there's no way you can hold a carnival in Bloxwich and not have a Pat Collins Fun Fair! These days run by Anthony Harris, a descendant of the legendary Pat, the Fair tours nationwide but is a very familiar sight locally in the summer months - and very popular amongst generations of Bloxwich folk! See the Album links at the bottom of this page for more photographs of the fair.
Pat Collins' Fun Fair
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The Health Village, Charity Stalls etc
As always, a huge range of very active local organisations take part in the post-procession event at King George's, and this year there was also a special focus on living a healthy lifestyle in the Health Village section. There was also plenty for everyone to see and do - and eat! See the Album links at the bottom of this page for photographs of the individual stalls and displays.
L to R: Jody Astbury, Darren Clayton, Matthew Chambers and Sarah Lloyd of Watmos Community Homes. Simply "super"!
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The Special Attractions
The final section of this report is about the two special attractions - and I do mean SPECIAL which the Carnival Committee had laid on for the excitement and amazement of the people of Bloxwich and anyone lucky enough to be visiting from further afield!
I'm someone who is rarely amazed, not to mentions staggered, shocked and stupefied, but I have to say that I was all of those things when I met up with...
Titan the Robot - Truly out-of-this world!
Did you ever expect to meet up with The Terminator or Robby the Robot "in the flesh"? I know I didn't, and when the 8-foot tall Titan trundled up on the space-age golf cart driven by his operator, I thought he was just going to sit there and wave his arms about. But when he actually stood up and started walking around, singing and talking to people, I confess that as a life-long Sci-Fi fan I was completely and utterly stunned!
Now I've seen the future, and it's here. Titan's movement, speed and mannerisms are so realistic you'll be expecting Arnold Schwarzenegger to turn up and sort him out any minute, and that's no exaggeration. Not only that, meet up with Titan and you'll believe a robot can cry! As you can see from the photos, Titan was an instant hit and was mobbed wherever he appeared - even when he wanted to play Robocop!
I've already emailed Titan's creators, Cyberstein, to thank them for the most amazing "future shock" I've had since the Apollo Moon Landings, and to offer my compliments to Titan's skilled
operator on a very professional performance.
As to Titan, I hope "he'll be back" in Bloxwich next year, as the act was a real highlight of a great day in my home town - I'm going to have "total recall" of this for years to come!
You'll find more photos of Titan via the Albums links at the bottom of this page.
Titan arrives with his operator - the public are not sure what to make of him!
Suddenly, Titan leaps into action and the crowd falls back, staggered and amazed!
Simply stunning - Titan lives!
Titan takes time out to cheek a local photographer - that's just his style!
Is this the future of policing? Titan helps Bloxwich police give Mark Stannage a parking ticket for his son's Spinner buggy!
Titan Sings! He's a fan of Chris de Burgh and Louis Armstrong, by the way :O)
I give you... Titan the Robot! The superstar from the future who travelled to Bloxwich and stunned all he met.
AND FINALLY...
The human show-stoppers from 'Up North', the amazing, death-defying...
Stannage International Stunt Team and their 'Flamin' High Dive' Show!
Well, what can I say? This family team were simply amazing, and they really were death-defying. How many families do you know where Dad sets fire to himself and jumps off towers, blows himself up in a coffin and lets his son jump a motorbike over his head? Moreover, how many thirteen-year-olds do you know who can jump a motorbike through fire or leap over cars and people? And whose mother eggs him on to do it while chiding her danger man of a hubby?
Actually, if you were at the Bloxwich Carnival this year, you know these guys very well by now - they are the Stannage International Stunt Team!
Mark Stannage has become one of Britain's top international stuntmen/escape artistes, having started at the tender age of 14. He has appeared on several television shows and films in his 24 year career. Mark's 14 year old son, Aaron Stannage, who himself has seven years stunt work experience, performs in all their shows and his wife, Janine Stannage, comperes the shows making them a true family affair.
Saturday's spectacular offering from the Stannage team included an incredible "Death Defying Amazing Flamin' High Dive" where Mark Stannage climbed up a specially constructed tower, dowsed himself in petrol, set fire to himself, then dived off the tower head first into an air bag sixty feet below. Mark also performed "The Exploding Coffin Escape". Handcuffed and placed inside a coffin, the was then chained to the base. The lid was then secured into position with four large chains and padlocks. The audience was then asked to join in the two minute countdown. Did he escape before the coffin exploded? Study the photos and decide for yourself!
Young Aaron Stannage, whose skill and bravery belie his age, also performed remarkable feats as a stunt rider, and he clearly has a great future in the business, as you can see from the photos. He fears nothing: neither flames, broken bones nor skidding in doggy deposits left behind by careless owners in King George's!!! But seriously, Aaron and his dad have a huge amount fund doing their amazing work, and Aaron's mum Janine really adds the icing on the cake as she so ably presents them to the audience in her wonderful Yorkshire accent. Hope they'll be performing in Whitby next time I'm up there!
More photos of the Stannage International Stunt Team in the Albums linked below.
The team gets ready for action
Wife and Mum Janine calls them out into the arena...
Aaron gets into gear and wows the crowd
Mark demonstrates why the buggy is called 'Spinner'!
Aaron takes a flying leap over both his buggy and an estate car. Will he make it? You bet!
Dad's a**e is nearly toast as the coffin explodes - Aaron rushes to the rescue!
Young Aaron braves the flames in turn - no wonder his hair is standing on end!
Ok, he just had to do it - Mark sets fire to himself and leaps headlong off the tower...
...but fortunately as an expert stuntman he knows how to do this safely, as you can see here!
DON'T TRY ANY OF THIS AT HOME, KIDS! These guys are skilled experts with years of experience.
And last but not least:
Let's have a round of applause for a real family affair: Aaron, Mark and Janine - the Stannage International Stunt Team!
And that is the conclusion of this year's report folks! Despite the usual hiccups, Bloxwich Carnival was a great success as always. Yes, they need more floats and trucks next year - can YOU help? But the weather turned out great, the Carnival Queen and her entourage looked radiant, the Procession was small, but beautifully marked, and the Pat Collins Fair, the stalls, stands and displays and the incredible special attractions were truly out-of-this world!
My thanks, and the thanks of the people of Bloxwich, go to the Carnival Commitee,Walsall Council and to all who took part, at whatever level. Without you all, our year would be incomplete! What more can I say?
Stuart Williams
The Edditer
The Bloxidge Tallygraph
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I'm someone who is rarely amazed, not to mentions staggered, shocked and stupefied, but I have to say that I was all of those things when I met up with...
Titan the Robot - Truly out-of-this world!
Did you ever expect to meet up with The Terminator or Robby the Robot "in the flesh"? I know I didn't, and when the 8-foot tall Titan trundled up on the space-age golf cart driven by his operator, I thought he was just going to sit there and wave his arms about. But when he actually stood up and started walking around, singing and talking to people, I confess that as a life-long Sci-Fi fan I was completely and utterly stunned!
Now I've seen the future, and it's here. Titan's movement, speed and mannerisms are so realistic you'll be expecting Arnold Schwarzenegger to turn up and sort him out any minute, and that's no exaggeration. Not only that, meet up with Titan and you'll believe a robot can cry! As you can see from the photos, Titan was an instant hit and was mobbed wherever he appeared - even when he wanted to play Robocop!
I've already emailed Titan's creators, Cyberstein, to thank them for the most amazing "future shock" I've had since the Apollo Moon Landings, and to offer my compliments to Titan's skilled
operator on a very professional performance.
As to Titan, I hope "he'll be back" in Bloxwich next year, as the act was a real highlight of a great day in my home town - I'm going to have "total recall" of this for years to come!
You'll find more photos of Titan via the Albums links at the bottom of this page.
Titan arrives with his operator - the public are not sure what to make of him!
Suddenly, Titan leaps into action and the crowd falls back, staggered and amazed!
Simply stunning - Titan lives!
Titan takes time out to cheek a local photographer - that's just his style!
Is this the future of policing? Titan helps Bloxwich police give Mark Stannage a parking ticket for his son's Spinner buggy!
Titan Sings! He's a fan of Chris de Burgh and Louis Armstrong, by the way :O)
I give you... Titan the Robot! The superstar from the future who travelled to Bloxwich and stunned all he met.
AND FINALLY...
The human show-stoppers from 'Up North', the amazing, death-defying...
Stannage International Stunt Team and their 'Flamin' High Dive' Show!
Well, what can I say? This family team were simply amazing, and they really were death-defying. How many families do you know where Dad sets fire to himself and jumps off towers, blows himself up in a coffin and lets his son jump a motorbike over his head? Moreover, how many thirteen-year-olds do you know who can jump a motorbike through fire or leap over cars and people? And whose mother eggs him on to do it while chiding her danger man of a hubby?
Actually, if you were at the Bloxwich Carnival this year, you know these guys very well by now - they are the Stannage International Stunt Team!
Mark Stannage has become one of Britain's top international stuntmen/escape artistes, having started at the tender age of 14. He has appeared on several television shows and films in his 24 year career. Mark's 14 year old son, Aaron Stannage, who himself has seven years stunt work experience, performs in all their shows and his wife, Janine Stannage, comperes the shows making them a true family affair.
Saturday's spectacular offering from the Stannage team included an incredible "Death Defying Amazing Flamin' High Dive" where Mark Stannage climbed up a specially constructed tower, dowsed himself in petrol, set fire to himself, then dived off the tower head first into an air bag sixty feet below. Mark also performed "The Exploding Coffin Escape". Handcuffed and placed inside a coffin, the was then chained to the base. The lid was then secured into position with four large chains and padlocks. The audience was then asked to join in the two minute countdown. Did he escape before the coffin exploded? Study the photos and decide for yourself!
Young Aaron Stannage, whose skill and bravery belie his age, also performed remarkable feats as a stunt rider, and he clearly has a great future in the business, as you can see from the photos. He fears nothing: neither flames, broken bones nor skidding in doggy deposits left behind by careless owners in King George's!!! But seriously, Aaron and his dad have a huge amount fund doing their amazing work, and Aaron's mum Janine really adds the icing on the cake as she so ably presents them to the audience in her wonderful Yorkshire accent. Hope they'll be performing in Whitby next time I'm up there!
More photos of the Stannage International Stunt Team in the Albums linked below.
The team gets ready for action
Wife and Mum Janine calls them out into the arena...
Aaron gets into gear and wows the crowd
Mark demonstrates why the buggy is called 'Spinner'!
Aaron takes a flying leap over both his buggy and an estate car. Will he make it? You bet!
Dad's a**e is nearly toast as the coffin explodes - Aaron rushes to the rescue!
Young Aaron braves the flames in turn - no wonder his hair is standing on end!
Ok, he just had to do it - Mark sets fire to himself and leaps headlong off the tower...
...but fortunately as an expert stuntman he knows how to do this safely, as you can see here!
DON'T TRY ANY OF THIS AT HOME, KIDS! These guys are skilled experts with years of experience.
And last but not least:
Let's have a round of applause for a real family affair: Aaron, Mark and Janine - the Stannage International Stunt Team!
And that is the conclusion of this year's report folks! Despite the usual hiccups, Bloxwich Carnival was a great success as always. Yes, they need more floats and trucks next year - can YOU help? But the weather turned out great, the Carnival Queen and her entourage looked radiant, the Procession was small, but beautifully marked, and the Pat Collins Fair, the stalls, stands and displays and the incredible special attractions were truly out-of-this world!
My thanks, and the thanks of the people of Bloxwich, go to the Carnival Commitee,Walsall Council and to all who took part, at whatever level. Without you all, our year would be incomplete! What more can I say?
Stuart Williams
The Edditer
The Bloxidge Tallygraph
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