Didn’t the carnival go well?

The weather couldn’t have been better and the standard of the entries in the float competition was very high. The float winners were: 1st Shield – Chesham Bois C.E. Combined School representing the RNLI; 2nd Shield – Hawridge & Cholesbury Church of England School and 3rd Shield went to Little Spring School which I thought was excellent. The Bucks Examiner Cup was won by the Newtown Infant School & Nursery’s HMS Newtown ship and the Newtown Garage Shield went to Chartridge Combined School. The shield for the best walking float went to Brushwood Junior School. Lucinda Bryan told me no school can win more than one trophy.
It happened to be on the same day as the Trooping the Colour at The Mall in London for the official Queen's birthday. For the Trooping ceremony the Royal Air Force hold an annual flypast at 1pm and then returned over Lowndes Park at 1.10pm. The formation was precise and spectacular to watch, soaring over all the stalls and happy families enjoying the lovely afternoon. I think this should appear on the programme in other years! However I hear Chesham Bois fair organizers are claiming the credit as well.
Schools of Chesham Carnival marshals did an excellent job and the crossing of St Mary’s way wasn’t nearly such a hold-up to motorists this year. Jane Vann said all the barbeque food was sold out and, “The tombola was busy all afternoon which is the main way we make our funds”. You can see or buy photos at Orbit Press in Market Square. I have been taken to task for not mentioning the event sponsor Newtown Garage and I have apologised. The anonymous emailer said, “We spend thousands of pounds every year bringing national race teams and representatives to the carnival and respond to numerous sponsorship requests from local schools throughout the rest of the year. Next year will be our fifth consecutive sponsorship of the Carnival.” S/he said, “Does nobody remember that the carnival was facing closure before we stepped in?”

My photo is courtesy of Ian Freeman, thanks Ian.