A group of dedicated young villagers pulled together to organise and deliver Winwick’s annual carnival which attracted more than 3,000 visitors.
The 10-strong carnival committee, all under 30, have worked tirelessly since Christmas – volunteering their free time to assist life-long Winwick resident Chairman Pete Howard (56) of Falcondale Road, to ensure that local people had a fun-packed day.
Event secretary Kathryn Winders, 25, of Waterworks Lane said: “Our committee is made up of younger people who all have full-time jobs and who have made a conscious effort to be a positive part of village life here in Winwick. We have all had a brilliant time and doing this has really strengthened our friendships with each other and our links with the wider community of Winwick as a whole. From organising the event to litter-picking afterwards we loved every minute of it.”
Together with her crew of hardy souls Reverend Canon June Steventon spent the night of the carnival sleeping in St Oswalds’ church tower. Her sponsored sleep-over was just one initiative on the day that helped raise much-needed funds for its beetle-infested roof.
“We sold 2,000 programmes and gave people the chance to take part in activities such as clay pigeon shooting, archery, climbing and paintballing,” says Kathryn, who moved to Winwick from Warrington town centre in August 2010.
Winwick Park Resident and May Queen, Kate Jenkinson (12) officially opened the carnival after her show-stopping arrival in a 1930s Rolls Royce – kindly loaned by Decadence Wedding Carriages of Culcheth.
Entertainment was provided by The Funky Monks, the Elaine Hill Sheepdog Display, Amanda and Tony Brutus Strength Speciality and the Wild Wings Birds of Prey.
More than 30 stall-holders attended selling everything from jewellery to cakes and promoting a variety of charitable organisations.
“I hope that other young people will be inspired by the members of Winwick Carnival Committee to get more closely involved in their local communities and to help keep these important traditions alive,” says Chairman Pete.
“We are especially grateful to everyone who made the effort to come along, get involved and to help safeguard the future of St Oswalds in the process.”
Pictures show some of the attractions which included rock climbing and face painting.
For more pictures from the event CLICK HERE
