Hot in Heacham on Carnival day
A scorcher of a day welcomed Heacham’s annual carnival parade to the village playing fields after snaking its way through the streets from College Drive on Sunday.
The theme this year was a sober one - remembering the devastating effect World War One had on so many families in a conflict that caused 41 million casualties including 18 million deaths.
The vehicle carried Heacham’s two Queens, Caitlin Minns and Chloe Moulton and attendant Claire Wilson, reminded everyone of those who did not return to the village. On its side were individual poppies, each containing the name of a serviceman who died.
The carnival itself, once the winners of the various categories of float and fancy dress entrants had been announced and their prizes awarded, was full of bustle, noise and glitter.
The afternoon got off to a cracking start with music by the City of Norwich Brass Band. Judo, dancing and boxing displays followed though a gun dog demonstration was cancelled because of the heat.
Outside the centre ring there were stalls and sideshows. St Mary’s Church invited youngsters to make up their own poppies from tissue and crepe paper, a mini craft fair did brisk business and the food and drink tents did a roaring business.
Each year it seems that just about everyone in Heacham comes to the carnival. One reason is a strong sense of community in the village and one stand underlined that close-knit spirit.
The village’s Youth and Community shop, totally staffed by volunteers, raised just under £12,000 last year, which was ploughed back into village groups including the mother and toddler Scallywags, the scouts, the table tennis club, the football club, the library and the church.
Since 2002 the event has been organised by the parish council who combine with the Heacham Club Charity’s annual fete, making it the biggest community event of the year.
Parish council chairman Terry Clay said: “The weather’s been great and we’ve had a marvellous turn out. I congratulate everyone who has taken part and thank the various committees who worked so hard bring today to fruition.”
Parade results were as follows: Best overall: PCB Pollution; Best family float: Radio Heacham; Best Group: Heacham in Bloom; Best junior entry: Zaniah; Best adult entry: John Wallis.