Canvey Carnival Praiseworthy Effort For The Blind

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Canvey Island’s week of carnival on behalf of the National Institute for the Blind began on Sunday. Sir Beachcroft Towse, the blind V.C., is president, and Mr. G. A. Pickett general secretary.

On Sunday a civic service was held at the Parish Church, special places being reserved for the ‘princesses,’ Miss Vera Thompson, Miss Zoe Hammett, Miss E. Richardson, Miss Marjery Savage, Miss Iris Hinton, and Miss Daphne Parlabean. The Sea Scouts, under Officer R. Pennells, lined the pathway. Among the representatives present were the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Urban Council (Messrs. F. J. Leach and H. P.. Ansell), Mr. B. A. Rowe (president of the Chamber of Trade), and many other officers and patrons of the event, as well as the members the Girls’ Friendly Society. In his address the Vicar, the Rev. E. B. Dobree, referred to the great work that the National Institute was doing among the blind, and particularly commended Canvey’s effort to assist the known 1,350 cases among the civil population of Essex. A united service took place on the Beach.

A baby show Wednesday was judged Dr. C. B. Crane and Nurses Williams and Unthank. Winners:
Championship cups: Keith Harris, and Michael and Shirley Williams (twins).
Under 6 months: 1, Lilian Cooper: 2, John Cough.—6 months to 12 months: 1, Joan Lilian Cove; 2. Geraldine Hadley.— 12 to 18 months: 1, Doreen Higgs (who was stated to have weighed only 3 1/4 lb. at birth); 2, Leonard Lipson.—18 months to 2 1/2 years: I. Tony Burnett; 2, Bryan Rice.

In the evening there was a parade by decorated cars and the Princesses.

On Monday there was a fair and procession, and on Tuesday dancing competitions and the official luncheon, over which Mr. F. J. Leach presided. At a carnival dance at the Clifton Social Club, winners were Mrs. Melliard, as ‘Little Boy of the Sands,’ and Mr. Connolley, as ‘Mademoiselle Armentiers.’

Sir Beachcroft Towse, the blind V.C., was in fact President of the National Institute for the Blind not the carnival as, perhaps, suggested in the article. It would also appear from the article that Mr. G. A. Pickett was the general secretary of the Carnival but I would suggest this also meant the National Institute for the Blind but I have not been able to confirm this.