THE BLOXIDGE TALLYGRAPH

Preliminary Report

by The Forrener

Bloxwich Carnival on Saturday 4th August was another extremely popular success, though the number of floats was rather less than last year, apparently due to a shortage of available vehicles.  As is traditional, the Carnival began with the usual ceremonies by the fountain in the Promenade Gardens between High Street and Park Road.  A large crowd gathered along the High Street on the pavement outside the Gardens, attracted by the pounding music from the PA system and the cheery comments of the gentleman running it.

The ceremonials went well, under the direction of Ken Worley, Chairman of Bloxwich Carnival Committee.  The new Bloxwich Carnival Queen, Lindy Barnsley, was crowned by Mayoress Abi Pitt, standing in for her father, Mayor of Walsall Cllr Melvin Pitt, followed by similar ceremonies for the new Princess and Rosebud.  The 2006 Carnival Queen Kirsty Rolston presented the new Queen, Princess and Rosebud with bouquets of flowers. 

The sun shone at all the right moments, and the Queen and her entourage (2006 Queen Kirsty Rolston, 2007 Princess Nicole Hall and 2007 Rosebud Chelsea Stringer) all looked stunning.  The Young Ambassadors, representing their schools, received their medals from various dignitaries.

The Press were represented by a photographer from the Walsall Advertiser newspaper, and Stuart Williams, Edditer of The Bloxidge Tallygraph.  A reporter from the Walsall Express & Star judged the floats.

About 1.15pm the Parade began to wind its way around Bloxwich town centre, greeted with happy cheers by the assembled people of Bloxwich.  The road was closed on a rolling basis by police and staff of Walsall Council.

After the Parade had passed along the High Street, the crowd broke up and repaired to the King George V Playing Fields, where they were able to enjoy Pat Collins Fun Fair and a wide range of mainly charity and local organisation stalls.  The highlights in the central arena were three performances of the amazing Vander Brothers, defying danger on the astonishing Wheel of Death, and performances from the Walsall Coronets and Royal Premiers marching bands.

The event ended around 5pm, and those who were not staying on for an evening on the inimitable Pat Collins Fun Fair wended their weary but happy ways home, already looking forward to the 2008 Bloxwich Carnival.

A more detailed report by George Jevons will follow.

CARNIVAL PHOTOGRAPHS

Below are links to three albums prepared by The Edditer from his photographs taken at Bloxwich Carnival on Saturday 4th August 2007.

Album 1 presents pictures of the Carnival Ceremonies, Queen Crowning and other presentations at the Promenade Gardens, Bloxwich High Street, as well as pictures of all the floats and vehicles in the following Procession.

Click on this link to view:  CARNIVAL 2007 ALBUM 1


Album 2 presents pictures of Pat Collins Fun Fair and stalls in the Field at King George's!


Click on this link to view:  CARNIVAL 2007 ALBUM 2


Album 3 presents pictures of the Arena Events at King George's, especially the death-defying Vander Brothers!

Click on this link to view:  CARNIVAL 2007 ALBUM 3


To view, please wait for all photos to load into the on-screen carousel.  This may take a little while especially if you are using a dial-up connection.  To move through the photos, click on or hold your mouse pointer over the left and right arrows, then click on the thumbnail photo you wish to view.  For an even larger picture, click on the main photo displayed.  Enjoy!

NOTE:  More than 300 photos were taken, far too many to show on here.  A CD of these photographs has been presented to Bloxwich Carnival Committee, and to the Carnival Queen and her entourage as a souvenir of their very special day.


COPYRIGHT - These photos are copyright © 2007 Stuart Williams.  They may not be used in any publication or on any website or display without The Edditer's permission.  They may be printed off by Bloxwich folk especially the people and organisations pictured (and their families) for personal souvenirs of the occasion but may not be sold.  Any questions, contact The Edditer at:  bloxidge.mon@googlemail.com


back to top