It was a 40th birthday to remember! (From Bridport Carnival)

It was a 40th birthday to remember!

2:47pm Wednesday 24th August 2011 in News By James Tourgout

IT WAS a 40th birthday to remember for Bridport Carnival.

The biggest crowds for years – estimated at more than 5,000 – packed the town centre streets to cheer the procession as it streamed through town.

There were musical gnomes, majorettes, Babushka dolls, bands, morris dancers, a pirate, dancing cows, bananas, a Bumble Bee Transformer, Snow White and even an Enormous Turnip.

Carnival Princess Jade Coombs took pride of place and led the way with her attendants Hatti Amos and Ellie Rodgers as well as Junior Carnival Princess Molly Gay.

Carnival chairman Shaun Fox said: “There were more people in South Street.

“The crowds were the best we have had for many a year.

“There were no problems of any kind. It all went really well and our thanks go to Morrisons for letting us use their car park.

“Thanks go to everyone who took part as well as the people of Bridport for coming out to watch and donate money.

“It was a fitting 40th birthday carnival.”

Crowds gathered in St Swithin’s Road as the Bridport News sponsored carnival began its route before thousands packed West Street and South Street all the way to Morrisons.

The Wessex Military Band led the way followed by coastguards, the mayor’s car, a fire engine, the Blackdown Samba Band, RNLI lifeguards and the carnival royalty float.

Carnival Princess Jade Coombs said: “I was really happy.

“So many people were cheering us along the way.

“All the floats were really good and it was great that they all entered.”

Hatti and Ellie got ready at Jade’s house where her mum Shirleyann styled their hair and helped them.

Jade added her mother deserved a lot of thanks for all she did this year and in previous years for the carnival.

Judges included the mayor David Rickard and mayoress Anne Rickard as well as representatives from Seaton Carnival.

Pirate Alexis Gates, of Bridport, said: “I wanted to help out as it is all in a good cause.”

Bridport Round Table hit on a topical theme for their float – they combined the South Street toilets saga and Japanese suicide pilots to come up with the Kami Karzeys!

The 15 strong team used toilets bowls to make their main aircraft as well as five mini Kami Karzeys.

Richard Case said: “We enter every year.

“We thought with the fuss about South Street it would be a good idea.”

Darren Batten added: “We do various other things, such as the fireworks and beer festival.”

They even had a Khazzi Kleen Ltd cleaner – also known as Alicia Matthews.

A group of four families and friends had three generations involved for their Snow White Magnified Seven.

The four families were the Days, Williams, Priors and Coxs.

It was Snow White in reverse as little Megan Beales, six, took on the lead role and adults took on the role of the seven dwarfs.

Megan said: “It’s fun and I have enjoyed myself.”

Eleanor Cox, eight, was the prince and Heather Robinson was the wicked queen. Heather and Linda Williams made all the costumes; while Lee Williams painted the wheelbarrow.

Groves Nurseries’ GlastGnomeBury float scooped the Best Float in Procession award as well as the Best Comical Entry.

It was a gnomes’ version of the famous Glastonbury festival, featuring tents, inflatable guitars and even the Rolling Gnomes.

Andy McCall’s said that his daughters Ellie, 11, and Millie, six, came up with the idea.

Charlie Groves said: “We have more than ever people involved this year, 34.”

His father Clive Groves added: “We’re pleased to support the carnival and hope it continues for many years.”

Nigel Phillips, of Kilmington, transformed himself – into the Bumble Bee robot car from the sci-fi film Transformers.

He said: “I made it myself.

“I found some of the moulded bits at the tip. I actually can’t stand the films but the children like the costume.”

A rickshaw was the favoured mode of transport for one group of friends and family.

Tara Grinter celebrated her 10th birthday the day after the procession.

She was joined by her sister Olivia, 11, Sydney March, 10, and Christopher Edwards, 10.

Tara said: “Sometime it is annoying to have my birthday at the same time but it is nice because my friends can join in.”

Mum Teresa Grinter was also joined by Brenda and Sam Dunn, who made the rickshaw.

Megan Norman, six, Jessica Dawe, six, and Jacqueline Dawe, two, scooped the Best Youth Entry for their Babushka dolls costumes.

Jessica said: “It’s brilliant.”

They were joined by mums Tracey Norman and Diane Dawe.

Others with floats and entries included Bridport Gig Club, Wessex FM, Brit Valley Rotary with the Merrydowners Morris, and the Lyric Theatre with their Enormous Turnip.

Marc Parrett cycled the Turnip along the route with Tess Bide inside.

Niki McCretton said: “We are a national touring company but since we bought the Lyric we are in Bridport more.

“It is so nice to be part of the community.”

The Spirit of Bridport even made an appearance as she rode along the route on a horse called Bucky Doo.

John and Jocelyn Pardue, from Goldfinger Jewellery, were behind – and in front – of the costume.

Jocelyn said: “It’s just topical.

“This year with the town hall under construction, we thought we would take Bucky Doo and the Spirit of Bridport out to the town.”

Staff from Washingpool Farm Shop went bananas – literally. Those dressing as the fruit included Alan Holland, Gillian Holland, George Holland, six, Grace Holland, eight, Simon Holland and Bryony Brock.

The First Bridport Scouts had a West Bay and seaside theme. Skip Mark Wellman said they had been involved in the carnival for over 10 years.

He was joined by Mike Wood and Terry Urch.

Terry said: “It is all good fun.

“We started building it three weeks ago.”

Entries collected money in buckets as they went round but could also toss money into Delta Building Supplies trailers.

Others in the procession included Bridport under 12s, the Chard Majorettes, Lyme Bay majorettes and the Honiton TwirlStars.

Bridport Lions Club members donned seventies costumes as they are also marking their 40th anniversary this year.

They included Vicki Owers, Diane Lawrenson, Vera Whittaker and treasurer Peter Bonner while president Don Morley dressed as a Lion.

Staff from Oscar’s Wine bar from Crewkerne donned cow costumes for their Moo Moo Land float.

Other entries included the National Coastwatch Institution and the Japanese Exchange Programme.

Eight St John Ambulance volunteers were on duty during the evening. They said that it went well and that there were just a few minor cuts and bruises.

The Vinyl Monkeys played in South Street as festivities went into the night once the procession had finished and there was also a family disco at the Con Club.

Jade and her carnival royalty said that the procession was fantastic.

Hatti said: “It was really good fun.”

Molly added: “It was great to see everyone and all of my friends.”

Ellie added: “All of my friends were shouting up at me.”

ROLL OF HONOUR Best Presented Vehicle (not towing): First Bridport Scouts Best Costumes in Procession: First, Babushka. Second, Snow White and the Magnified Seven.

Best Comical Entry: First, Glastgnomebury. Second, Kamikhazi.

Best Local Entry From a Club or Organisation: First, Snow White and the Magnified Seven. Second, First Bridport Scouts.

Best Walking Entry in Procession (non-wheeled/non-motorised): First, Automatik (Transformer). Second, Babushka.

Best Walking Entry in Procession (wheeled/motorised): The Enormous Turnip from the Lyric Theatre. Second: Oriental Magic.

Best Float in Procession: First, Glastgnomebury. Second, Second, Bridport Scouts.

Best Youth Entry: First, Babushka. Second, First Bridport Scouts.

The DT6 Cup Most Innovative Entry: First, First Bridport Scouts. Second, Kamikhazi.