Press Releases
Ladies Darts hit the bull for Carnival
The Ventnor and District Ladies Darts League have given a fantastic boost to Carnival funds with a donation of £250 following their match at the Winter Gardens on Thursday 28th May The cheque was presented to Carnival Queen, Miss Maddy Snellen. The ladies Darts League is a long time supporter of Ventnor’s Carnival and the money has been earmarked for materials to make the gowns for Queens and Princesses.
Carnival Chairman, Eddie Goodlett, said that support of local businesses, clubs and individuals is vital for the survival of the Carnival tradition and that the Ladies League is one of the stalwarts – long may their arrows hit the spot.
Its still not too late for you, your business or club to make a donation – cheques to Ventnor Carnival Association, c/o 2 Shaftesbury Cottages, Beaconsfield Road, Ventnor or phone 855019.
One Hundred and Twenty Years of Ventnor Carnival
One hundred and twenty years is a long time. It takes you back into the Victorian age - Victoria herself had just celebrated her Diamond Jubilee before she died and our present Queen will celebrate hers in three years time but Ventnor Carnival celebrates its Double Diamond anniversary this year. In this significant year, a new History of Ventnor Carnival has been written 50 years after the original history which was written by the Carnival Scribe.
Predictably the new history has been written by a "New Scribe". The current Carnival History booklet will take you through a timeline from 1889 to 2009, see if you can remember any of the events mentioned.
Afterwards indulge in Mayoral, past Carnival Royalty and People's memories, and read about the people who have been, and are, involved in making Ventnor Carnival happen.
Priced at £5, with all proceeds going to fund the Carnival.
This 48 page booklet is on sale at :-
Seasons
St. Lawrence Post Office Ventnor Heritage Centre and Niton Books
Urgent Plea From Carnival Committee
Ventnor Carnival Committee are asking if there is anyone who is able to offer them the use of somewhere to make and store their carnival float from now until the end of August.
They need somewhere inside which is dry and large enough to accommodate a float. If you can help please contact Jane or Eddie on 01983 855019.
Stop Press : We are informed that the Committee are allowed temporary use of the old bus depot in Pier Street BUT…… they do not have a key to get in! Does anybody know who may hold one? And… if you have a vehicle parked on the forecourt of the bus depot you are requested to move it please.
The Committee would still like to hear from anybody who has somewhere else to offer them.
Situation Vacant
The Ventnor Carnival Committee is looking for help. Amongst a whole list of jobs there is a special assignment that require the touch of a professional or a gifted amateur. The job is that of website creator. Ventnor Carnival needs its own website and its creator will have a free hand to produce a vibrant and exciting website worthy of Ventnor. The ideal candidate could be any age – either a professional with time to spare or a student in the field wanting to make an impression. The job will not entail joining the Carnival Committee and since the ideal candidate is likely to be an eccentric odd ball we wouldn’t want you on the Carnival Committee even if you wanted to join – so no interminable committee meetings for you.
The benefit package consists of-: Salary….. £zero, Pension…. nope, Company Car…… you must be kidding, Expenses Allowance…. you’ve guessed it, no.
Candidates for this prestigious job can get further information from George on 01983 852287 or
Carnival Queen and Princesses
Girls who will be aged between 8 and 14 on the 12th August are invited to come along to the Masonic Hall in Grove Road, Ventnor for the selection of the 2009 Ventnor Carnival Queen and Princesses. The date is Saturday 25th April and selection starts at 2.30pm.
So girls make a date and be there. Queens and Princesses are promised summer packed with fun representing Ventnor around the Island. Bring a parent or guardian along to sign the forms. Girls living in the PO38 area only can enter. For details of what’s required of the Queen and Princesses telephone Jane on 01983 855019.
Carnival - Queen of Queens
The Winter Gardens in Ventnor overflowed with silk, chiffon and curls on Friday (8th May) as the Queens from Carnivals islandwide competed for the coveted title of “Queen of Queens”. This year it was Ventnor’s turn to host the event and the compere for the evening was Susan Goulding from Ventnor’s Carnival Association. Such was the standard of entries that the judges had to forego most of their buffet as they struggled to whittle down the competitors to find the winners.
In order to be impartial contestants were identified only by number and on the night it was Sandown’s entrants who made a clean sweep winning both the junior and senior titles. Junior title winner was Emily Abbott and senior Queen of Queens was Amy Wright. The Sandown carnival was presented with two new trophies named in honour of Carnival stalwart Brenda Lawson, who passed away on the morning of Ventnor’s main Carnival in August 2008. The winning girls were presented with a cup for them to keep and a “Queen of Queen” sash. Sandown will face a strong opposition next year when it will be their turn to host the event and fend off challengers for the title. Judges on the night were Ventnor Town Mayoress, Susan Scoccia, Ventnor Councillor Robbie Mew with his wife Joan, and County Councillor George Cameron.
CARNIVAL LOGO
The Ventnor Carnival Association has adopted a bright new logo to represent Ventnor Carnival. This bold and colourful image is felt to reflect how the town sees its Carnival – confident, lively, friendly and vibrant. The image will feature on posters and the Carnival programme and it is hoped it will become a familiar and recognised image of Ventnor. Credit for the design belongs to Mike Lambert of Crossprint Ltd
New Home Needed for Carnival Float
Until very recently the carnival float has been housed in the dairy store in Pound Lane with the kind permission of the owners. The building is to be demolished to make way for new dwellings and the float is now homeless. Can you help?
Have you a barn or very large garage not currently in use? Has your business got a corner of the warehouse not being used? Please contact Eddie Goodlet on 855019 (e-mail:. Unfortunately the carnival cannot afford to rent commercially but can make a contribution to cover expenses.
