In Memory of Mary Dallas
whose funeral was today
From the 1964 Canvey News and Benfleet Recorder July 1964
Canvey’s Great Carnival
Many Events
Canvey Youth Centre, who presented a very impressive float to win second place in the competition for the best district float.
The procession of nearly 30 floats and two bands provided Canvey with a splash of colour and gaity which comes but once a year, and which residents and holiday makers alike make the most of.
Judging took place at Hole Haven at 2.30 p.m., just before the floats left on their tour.
Competition amongst the floats for placing in the two classes (trade and district) was very fierce, due to the high standard.
Winners of the district float competition were the “29 Club” who were awarded the Jackie Geake Cup. Second were the youth club and third were the Distaff Club. Cllr. M. Luker, one of the judges, thought the Methodist Float was so good that he awarded it an unofficial fourth place.
REGAL TOUCH
In the trade class, winners were British Paints (Luxol). Winners in the horse-riding class were Miss Shelley, Miss Strange and Miss Cindy.
Regent Oil Company had a very smart tanker in the procession, and the occasion was given a very regal touch by the presence of three Queens. Canvey Carnival Queen Dawn Thomas with her two maids of honour, took pride of place, and was accompanied by the Basildon Town and District Show Queen, and her court, and the Basildon Carnival Queen and her court.
One unexpected Carnival entry were Eastern National. The driver of a 3A bus seemed very surprised to find himself taking part in the festivities!
The fete at the Paddocks was opened just after 1.30 p.m. by Councillor Mrs. E. White, Vice-Chairman of Canvey Council.
Force Five took part in the procession—as far as the High Street, when circumstances beyond their control (their car) made it impossible for them to carry on. Music was provided by the Basildon Drum and Trumpet Corps., and the Prittlewell G.L.B. First Canvey G.L.B. were also represented, as were “Essex Five.”
Darlics, robots and bookworms, all went together with Harold Steptoe (far right) to make Friday’s fancy dress show a big success.
The prizes for the competitions etc., were subject to some delay by the post, according to “Uncle Denis,” the conjurer. “Uncle Denis” a member of the magic circle said that many prizes were picked up by car at various railway stations, and, in some cases, at the London Headquarters of several firms.
After the excitement of the procession and fete was over, people began t0 get ready for the Grand Carnival Dance, being staged by the Distaff Club at the Casino.
The event started at 8 p.m. music being provided by “The Hotspots” and the “Essex Five.” A thing which could not pass unnoticed was the continuous presence of the Police outside the Casino. At one time there were four officers and a patrol car standing by. Were they waiting for topless dresses? Not according to one officer. But Carnival Treasurer Mr. George Clayton reiterated the views of the Committee expressed a few weeks ago. “If they do turn up, they’ll be thrown out”
The dance ended at 11.30 p.m., but the carnival was by no means finished. The next day, Sunday, saw a Thanksgiving Service in the Paddocks, conducted by the Rev. John A. Fleetwood, Vicar of Canvey. The Rev. Fleetwood’s sermon spoke of a Carnival some years ago. According to the vicar a very poor tailor who lived in the High Street was commissioned to make the carnival queen’s dress. However, on the eve of the festivities he fell ill. Unknown to him, he had been a very kind landlord to a family of brown mice. Their way of showing their gratitude to the tailor was by going to his shop and finishing off the Carnival robes for him!
BABY SHOW SUCCESS
Seen here showing themselves off at Canvey War Memorial Hall on Friday are competitors in the first heat of the beautiful toddlers competition
The Thanksgiving Service rounded off a week of festivities, The baby show on Friday was an unqualified success. Even the carnival committee didn’t expect the record number of entries in the baby show. One hundred and ninety-nine babies crowded the War Memorial Hall on Friday, along with over 100 contestants for the Beautiful Toddlers and Fancy Dress competitions. Although everyone didn’t win their class, they all went away with a prize.
The results were as follows:— Babies: Up to nine months; 1, Mark Morrell, 2, Jill Taylor, 3, Sharon Baker and 4, K. Hawkins. 9 to 18 months: 1, Elaine Brandon, 2, Stephen DeCruz, 3, Paul Mullaly and 4, Dawn Smith. 18 months to 2 years: 1, Dawn Allsop (who was named after Carnival Queen Dawn Thomas); 2, Jackie Beta and 3, Julie Armii. Consolation prizes went to Christine Barstable, Karl Edginton, Mark Trower, Shirley Creary and David Strickland. The champion baby was Elaine Brandon who won the second class.
Winners of Fridays baby show, with Carnival Queen Dawn Thomas and her two maids of honour.
The judges, Sisters from Southend Hospital, said after the competition that they had a tremendously hard job in deciding the winners, as the standard of health among Canvey’s babies was so high.
There is, however, a small problem still to be overcome. Winners of the twins class were named as Keren and Kerry, but no-one knows where they live or what their surnames are. The Red Cross are holding their prize.
The Champion Toddler was Michael Bowers, winner of the Second Class (4-6 years) in this competition.
Winner of the First Class (2 to 4 years) was Kim Kruger, with Belinda Campbell second.
Winner of the Girls’ First Class, Fancy Dress (up to 7 years) was Janet Newman. Second was Linda Hall, and third was Christine Bowers.
Winner of the boys’ first ‘ class (up to 7 years) was champion toddler Michael Bowers, second was Trevor Storey, and third was Stephen Collins.
The second class, girls’ (over 7 years) was won by Janet McArthur, with Stephanie Lawrence coming second, and Janice Cranston third.
Second class boys’ (over 7 years) was won by Michael Delaney. Norman Storey came second, and Tony Duffield third.
Winners of the pairs were ‘Jack and Jill’ (Christine and Janet Deane). Second came “The Ugly Sisters” (Lin Lesad and Karen Partridge).
Part of the ‘mounted contingent’ in Canvey’s Carnival procession whish toured the Island on Saturday
So for another year, the carnival is over. But the feelings of many were expressed by Carnival Chairman Mrs. M. Dallas, in her speech at the Distaff Dance on Saturday night.
“The 1964 Carnival” said Mrs. Dallas “very nearly wasn’t, for in the early part of the year we found ourselves without a committee and with many harsh things being said by members of the public who should have know better. I do not have to tell you how hard the members of the committee have worked. But in the excitement there are a few organisations whose help has ensured the success of the enterprise. The Canvey Island Council, and the Canvey Island Ladies’ Distaff Club.”
Mrs. Dallas said it was usual to abuse the Council when any thing went wrong, but to stay quiet when something good happened. “On this occasion, however, I wish to go on record as stating that on Canvey we are extremely fortunate in having a Council who revel in the thought of people enjoying themselves.”
Turning to the Distaff Club, Mrs. Dallas said it could always be relied on to support a good cause. She wished to thank all the members of the club and in particular the Chairman Mrs. Pauline Hook, and the secretary Mrs. Iris White. “May the great success of the Carnival be reward enough for you all,” she concluded.
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