True Brit spirit of Bromsgrove Carnival revellers praised

THE ORGANISERS of this year's Bromsgrove Carnival praised the 'true British spirit' shown by those who defied last weekend's rainy weather to turn out for the event.

We reported on our front page last week how the carnival committee chairman Ian Perrygrove and his team were determined that the show would go on.

Although numbers were, naturally, down on previous years because of the weather, hundreds of pounds was still raised for charities, such as the Princess of Wales Community Hospital, the Edwards Trust, the Primrose Hospice and the Stroke Association.

The carnival procession and trolley parade, which alone saw £107 collected, featured 130 people from 15 different number of local groups and organisations.

These included the Save the Alex campaign, local scouts, the boys' brigade, Bromsgrove and District Twinning Association Bromsgrove Indian Community Forum and Stoneyhill Pre-School.

Entertainment was provided in the parade by Blackwell Concert Band, Samba band Someone at the Door and stilt-walker Jason Drummond, among others.

The award for the best entry, chosen by Bromsgrove District Council's civic head, Coun Janice Boswell, was given jointly to Asda and the Save the Alex campaign.

Mr Perrygrove said: "The fact the event was able to continue at all was a testament to the hard work of all our volunteers, who do an amazing job.

"Thanks are also due to the council staff for their co-operation in using Sanders Park as the venue."

Coun Boswell added it was an honour to be there and that it was great it went so well, despite the weather.

"We are so pleased that the organisers decided not to be defeated by the rain - especially when so many other events were called off.

"A lot of thanks go to Ian Perrygrove, the committee and the bank of volunteers who made it all happen.

"Here's to the next one - hopefully with better weather."

Buy photos» An oar-some float! - The 2nd Bromsgrove Boys Brigade row through Bromsgrove's streets. 2812006MMR3

Buy photos» A super effort! - Stoneyhills Pre-school Bromsgrove donned fancy dress for the carnival. 2812006MMR4

Buy photos» Rain, rain go away! - Revolutions Twirlers shelter from the weather, ahead of the parade. 2812006MMR5

Buy photos» Supermarket trolley - ASDA's community champion Dawn Baylis with the trolley. 2812006MMR1

Buy photos» Waves of people lined the streets - Civic head Coun Janice Boswell greets the crowds. 2812006MMR11

Buy photos» A great year for celebrations - Morgan Smith , 11, and Emma Palin with their 2012 glasses. 2812006MMR7

Buy photos» Hitting the right notes - Blackwell Concert Band supply some of the music. 2812006MMR10

Buy photos» Carry on campaigning - The Save the Alex float. 2812006MMR6

Buy photos» Anyone for tennis? - Ros Cooke and Janet King from the Bromsgrove and District Twinning Association serve up some carnival fun. Pictures by Marcus Mingins 2812006MMR2

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