Southport Carnival 2004

Do you remember the day?

Saturday 26th June 2004, it poured down. We remember it well, we all got soaked.

It was the 1st Southport "Champion Charity Carnival" and the Association entered. We had to get a float and do a theme. The theme we chose was "Kings and Queens of Hearts", thought up by Maureen Frew and agreed by all committee members. It was very appropriate.

A lot of hard work and effort was required. At first we could not get a float and it was by chance that one of the mums, Lisa, was out at a garden center and just asked a member of staff if they had a lorry we could use. The assistant said 'not him' but he knew someone who had a fleet of lorries. I called the owner, Gary Dobson, and he agreed to drive the lorry for us in the carnival and allowed us to decorate it.

Thanks Gary, we could not have done this without you and your lorry. As time was pressing and we only got the float a few weeks before, it was all systems go. Lisa roped in some friends to help with making costumes for our Kings and Queens, and getting in touch with shops for decorations, tee-shirts, etc.

A few of us met each week at Lisa's house and worked hard to get costumes made and decorations done. Anita was our dress making designer and what a fantastic job she did, thanks Anita. We helped sew and cut costumes and Anita finished them all for us, they looked great and the kids got to keep them as a souvenir.

I don't think anyone had realised just how much effort it takes to get it looking as good as we achieved.

Two more people helped with the castle theme, to put up all around the lorry. It was just like a fairy tale castle, designed, cut and painted by them, it was amazing - sorry I don't remember your names but you know who you are and thank you so much for your hard work and help.

For the day we had hoped it would be a glorious day but that was not to be. In fact, it was pouring with rain.

We met at Gary's place and boarded the lorry for the drive to Southport. On the way there, Gary tooted his horn so people could see us and hear us. When we arrived in our position and checked in, the finishing touches were put into place and we were ready for the off.

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