THE BLOXIDGE TALLYGRAPH

2008 Carnival royalty:  L to R:  Charlotte Ann Richards, Samantha Footman, Lindy Barnsley and (front) Saffron Lily Law.  Picture:  Stuart Williams.

Dateline:  14 May 2009

Bloxwich Carnival organisers have this week stated that despite the sad news that there will be no parade, the 2009 carnival will continue to build on the success of previous events which have over the past few years made the town's annual festival one of the biggest volunteer-run carnivals in the West Midlands.

Ken Worley, Chairman of the carnival committee, said "With much regret there will not be a street parade this year.  As with many carnivals it has had to be abandoned due to the increasing health and safety regulations, insurance and other costs."

"These factors have impacted on us as a committee and other volunteers such as road hauliers who provide the floats.  It is a requirement to record the drivers' hours (although they are volunteers), the sides of lorries have to have boards on the sides and a notice to stop throwing of coins onto floats.  Restraints also have to be put on floats for the occupiers.  This is compounded with the necessity in the West Midlands to have to employ private marshals for traffic control, and in the case of Bloxwich changes to the traffic flow at Somerfield Road and the impending Red Route."

Bloxwich Carnival has been told it must increase its public liability insurance from £5 million to £10 million this year.  The cost in putting on a parade now well exceeds £2000, and with street collections only netting £480 last year it has been decided to return to the successful formula of three years ago by concentrating efforts on the show in King George V Playing Fields.

The elements of the carnival will still all be included, however, with static tableaux by community groups taking the place of floats.  The election and crowning of the Carnival Queen, Princess and Rosebud as well as the awards to the young Bloxwich school ambassadors will continue to take place and it is hoped these will be transported down the High Street after crowning in King George's field.

Mr. Worley concluded "We hope the people of Bloxwich, Blakenall and Leamore will appreciate why such actions have had to be taken, and we look forward to their continued support."

HOT ACTS IN KING GEORGE'S

The daring  James Dillon Stunt Team will return this year with a new programme.  Canine capers by the talented pooches of the South Staffordshire Dog team will entertain all.  Live music is courtesy of the New Washboard Syncopators Jazz Band.  A wide variety of craft emonstrations will be laid on and many stalls will be on show from local voluntary groups as usual.  Last but definitely not least, the legendary Pat Collins Fun Fair returns to its spiritual home as the icing on the cake!

Families will be delighted to hear that there is no increase in admission charges over last year, and the carnival remains a non-profit function with proceeds being ploughed back into future events and the traditional senior citizens party. 

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP

The long-term future of Bloxwich Carnival depends on new volunteers coming forward, either to work within the committee or to help on the day itself.  New people, regardless of age, are urgently required!  If you would like to help put something back into your local community, contact Ken Worley (see below).

IMPORTANT DATES AND CONTACTS

CARNIVAL ROYALTY - The election of the Carnival Queen, Princess and Rosebud will take place at St. John's Church, Victoria Avenue, Bloxwich on 11 June at 6pm.  Contact John Millard on 07961 160663 or 07736 388209 for details and application forms.

COMMUNITY TABLEAUX - If you are interested in setting up a Community Tableaux (formerly float) please contact Dave Chell at Bloxwich Community Partnership on 01922 682228.

SENIOR CTIZENS PARTY - This will be on 16 July at Bloxwich Sports & Leisure Centre.  Contact Max Hinks on 01922 701676 for details.

CARNIVAL DAY - Saturday 1 August in King George V Playing Fields. 

GENERAL INFORMATION - Ken Worley on 01922 400356.

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