Reply to THIS thread
Start a NEW Talkback Thread
Talkback Home

Carnival - Nat (22nd Oct 2007 - 12:46:38) The count down has begun...... i thought i would see if every one is looking forward to carnival as much as me this year???? i really cant wait because this will be the first time in about 16 years i am not involved in a float!!!! i get o go to the bonfire and everything this year which is very exciting and i am also keen to see what goes on at bohunt during the day can us big kids get our faces painted??? for me taking this year out feels slightly strange but i am very interested to see how things move through the village because the past couple of years i have felt there are too many large floats and would like to see some of them maybe split up and take it back to its roots the push n pull and walking categories seem to be dwindling and i fear that our carnival may well end up like liss and alike..... five massive lorries passing through the village and it slowly dying a death. at the end of the day whilst its good fun and we love doing it we enter to win the prizes but if there is no one to compete against it makes it a tad disheartening dont you think? any one else have any thoughts?? to every one building floats this week good luck and may the weather be with you.

Re: Carnival - liz (22nd Oct 2007 - 13:22:46) The large and noisy floats are my favourites and in my opinion definately to be encouraged! - Within reason of couse so that they can negotiate the corners on route.

Re: Carnival - Freddie Dawkins (22nd Oct 2007 - 13:58:49) I'll be marshalling somewhere around the village and it's a great opportunity to watch the procession and get chatting with people. Amazing how many people drive miles (Portsmouth, Southampton, Reading and beyond) just to be in Liphook for the night. I agree, the big floats are eye-catching but some of the individual ideas are great. I don't know how large the procession will be this year - I thought last year's was a bit smaller than previous - and I think people were a bit disappointed. Perhaps we should get the fire engine or ambulance to break down again in Station Road - that helped to entertain the crowds down Portsmouth Road and up around to the Railway! Freddie

Re: Carnival - Ben Lawrance (22nd Oct 2007 - 16:29:51) Did someone say noisy? Don't worry, i'm doing a float this year :)

Re: Carnival - xyz (22nd Oct 2007 - 18:44:02) Its that fantastic time of year again , Looking forward to the Carnival Good Luck to all those invloved with the proceedings A fun night not to be missed

Re: Carnival - Nat (22nd Oct 2007 - 19:19:05) hi, i wasn't saying that the big floats are not good (think i have been on some of the biggest one year we had 2 lorries for the same float) just that the essence of carnival is lacking maybe. I'm with Freddie on this one last year was much smaller which is a shame. still we will be back with a vengeance next year think we will try something a little different. Nat oh n Ben one year we were behind a lorry that was the loudest thing you've ever heard hope you've checked your rules n regs as they got told to turn it down or face a fine wouldn't want you getting in trouble now would we??? Best of luck on ya float tho.

Re: Carnival - Fozzie (22nd Oct 2007 - 21:28:14) Come on then Nat, just what is the essence of Carnival. I thought that it was everybody pulling together to stage a great event, collecting money for good causes and having a larf etc etc etc. Surely the essence is that it is a community event. Why are you not on a float this year? Why do you only enter to win a prize? I believe that it is the taking part that counts, whether as an onlooker in the square, on route, at the fireworks or even on a float (or on foot). I love the big floats, the small floats, the noisy ones and the quiet ones, the vehicles, walkers, the push/pulls, the bands, the fireworks and the bonfire... I just love the Carnival. The volunteers involved before, during and after the event do a great job, there is no reason why the Carnival will die out while there is a such a good community spirit in Liphook. LONG LIVE THE CARNIVAL !!!!

Re: Carnival - Ben Lawrance (22nd Oct 2007 - 22:13:18) Me, in trouble for making noise? Surely not! Fear ye not good people of Liphook. Your ears are quite safe with me. Forgive me, my last post was a little tongue in cheek. All the best to those taking part.

Re: Carnival - R (22nd Oct 2007 - 23:08:17) I agree- its not all about winning, its about taking part and having fun, whether taking part or not!

Re: Carnival - JM (22nd Oct 2007 - 23:30:19) Fozzie I don't think that you got the point being made, the Carnival needs small floats so that the procession is longer and more interesting. Do you do a float? Have you ever?Do your children take part in the prossesion? Have you ever noticed that most of people who do those floats are mostly people of a certain generation mainly those who went to Bramshott boys school and Liphook girls school (now the library for those of you who don't know where that was) - that my friend is the essence of the 'Carnival'. Yes new people come but fall by the wayside. Those of us who do the Carnival are getting older, yes our children are on board but how long can they carry on the tradition when most can't afford to buy houses here. Yes lets do the politically correct prizes for everyone - oh thats right lets award a cup because they were polite to us! Forget all the hard work, sweat and tears that goes into a float.No its not about the prizes of course we just do it to look stupid and entertain you of course. Anyone who knows Nat knows that she has led the Guides and Brownies to Victory for 16 years and she is entitled to a break. She has enough community spirit and between her and Alex her sister they have given the Guide float an edge all of its own. This year the Guide float is being led by another well loved Lihook family who have been in the 'village' for years, do we get many newcomer parents to help ........ There are over 50 girls on that float - they are there because people like Nat and Alex give them the confidence to take part in this fantastic community event. Last year was smaller and moved quickly- take heed of what Nat has said - get out there and build a float. Good luck to everyone. Good luck everyone.

Re: Carnival - sue (23rd Oct 2007 - 09:24:56) I have no idea how may floats will be in this years one, but from the 'talk' there will be some 'old' names back this year. People of liphook do such an excellent job, and I know many people do come from far and wide to visit it. We have our usual guests from Wimbledon, who are bringing their friends, (not the wombles!!) and I know others are too. Just to make some aware of the enjoyment people get out of such a good show, last years event inspired our friends to enter a float into another carnival. The only niggle I have, is that the 'best in show' couldn't win their category - very strange affair that is. Never before in any competition has the overall winner Not won its section! Please tell me that this silly rule has been squashed!!

Re: Carnival - Stephen (23rd Oct 2007 - 11:15:49) As long as the floats indicate correctly when they are approaching the mini-roundabouts and give way to traffic on the right.

Re: Carnival - Nat (23rd Oct 2007 - 12:34:36) Sue, Yes this is a Very Very VERY silly rule a one which cropped up a couple of years ago in our own carnival much to every ones annoyance, surely the best over all prize should be judged on the floats that have won in their own categories! and that they should also be able to win other prizes along side the best over all cup (in Liphook that year to have best over all plus another was deemed unfair!!!! ) But then i also think that it should be possible to win 1st in your category, the Tim wheatley, best lit and best on the move for one float as used to happen. Maybe thats just me and my competitive side coming out which isn't very P.C is it? Don't get me wrong I think the committee do a good job, just maybe the rules on prizes need to be stipulated and made clear for everyone both taking part and watching as there have been so many changes over recent years. For example the 2nd place best on the move cup; a great idea but I'm not entirely sure everyone knows that there is one or even if it was awarded last year but I'm sure some one correct me if im wrong!

Re: Carnival - sue (23rd Oct 2007 - 19:43:29) Nat, I think we are talking about the same time. It would have been difficult for the overall winner on that occasion to have been judged from the group winners - as the judge for overall had decided it before we had even judged the floats!! It did make the time taking details, asking for 'best' performances etc a waste of time, as their places were already decided. (in that particular instance) - It was such a shame and disappointment for the kids, adults and made us look totally stupid!! If it is of any consolation, we did mention our disappointment on the evening back at the hall to one of the 'committee'. Lets not tarnish this year’s event with past errors, and we are geared up for a lovely night!! God bless Liphook floats and all who sail them!!

Re: Carnival - PC (23rd Oct 2007 - 23:21:57) With only a few days to go, I just wanted to wish everyone involved with the carnival good luck with finishing their floats (or starting them)! As a relative newcomer to the village (only 20 odd years), I love nothing better than taking part in the carnival, whether that is standing watching or joining in on a float. It is great to watch the community spirit that goes on within the village during carnival time. It is simply magical! Liphook is lucky enough to have the support of the people (OLD and NEW) who build the floats and come to watch, because without either of them or the carnival committee it wouldn’t happen. Also, a special good luck to the Judges, because I think you have the hardest job. Although, personally I don’t see the need for any prizes, I can never remember whether the float I have been on has even won a prize, because the excitement of the night takes over! I agree with JM to a certain extent you need the different size floats to make it longer, but the carnival procession length has always varied, and people still come back the next year. I also have to say that s personally I love the big floats best, as it shows what people can achieve when they work as a team, especially when it is new and old Liphook people working together! Have fun everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Re: Carnival - Nat (24th Oct 2007 - 21:12:14) does anyone know where the bunting is?? iv been through the village tonight (wednesday) and is not up yet and nor is the banner.

Re: Carnival - AE (25th Oct 2007 - 00:08:41) I also noticed earlier today that the bunting & banner are missing from the village. I understand that the committee are very busy, but it used to go up the weekend before carnival night. Its a shame its not up yet as i feel it always helps build the excitement for the big night! Any ideas when it will appear?

Re: Carnival - sue (25th Oct 2007 - 09:22:50) Somehow I get the impression that the few people organising this event are under great manpower stress - perhaps more people should get involved and help out. Yesterday, one organiser said they had many cups to clean, and I offered to do them during the quiet moments - I don't know if I will be called upon, but I feel that any help is greatly needed. Sue

Re: Carnival - J (25th Oct 2007 - 11:32:35) As a young person who has been involved with the carnival for several years. I am really looking forward to this year as i feel that we as participants are being involved alot more then in previous years. I'd would also like to mention the fact that there are ALOT of people who have given up ALOT of their time to help bring the carnival to life. THANK YOU.

Re: Carnival - anon (25th Oct 2007 - 14:44:50) I understand that a very kind-hearted, community -spirited volunteer will be putting the bunting up as soon as he can. He was due to start yesterday but unfortunately got called away to help with something else. As you are all aware the Carnival Committee and the many others that help out in the run up to Carnival and then on Carnival night are, and this is the important bit, VOLUNTEERS. So jobs might not get down as quickly but they DO get done. This un-warranted criticism is completely un-necessary and doing nothing for community spirit. The Carnival Committee should be thanked for their enourmous efforts throughout the year and not made to feel inadequate because they are a day or so late putting up the bunting.... It is a shame you are not on a float this year Nat as you might not have so much time to worry about what is or isn't happening in the Square. anon

Re: Carnival - N. Sosin (25th Oct 2007 - 15:44:18) I wonder if the bunting/banner/other decorations might have gone up a bit quicker with more help from people busy 'noticing' it isn't up yet! Ditto all the other jobs such as cleaning the cups etc. Very kind of Sue to offer to clean some in her spare time but maybe Liphook.co.uk could have a new section for volunteers to sign up to all these little (ofter boring) behind the scenes jobs that might not be so glamorous but need to be done just the same for the Carnival to go ahead. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the carnival committee members sincerely for their hard work not just in the few weeks leading up to the 'big night' but the other 300 odd days of the year when they are fund raising to make sure this event goes ahead in the first place irregardless of whether they are big floats, small floats or push/pulls. It would be nice to think community spirit is something that is there all year, not just on Carnival Night, so before you criticise anything to do with the carnival please ask yourself if you volunteered to do the job yourself? Anon

Re: Carnival - J (25th Oct 2007 - 16:15:43) I agree with anon Just because the bunting isn't out yet doesnt mean to say it wont be. Volunteers choose to help and there for if they have other stuff to do first then that gets done. We should be greatful for what they do not ungrateful for what they dont do Nat.

Re: Carnival - Nat (25th Oct 2007 - 18:17:33) he he seem to have got you all wound up anon!!!! il say this though i have never said i think the committee are doing a bad job or anything like that all i have done is as some simple questions if you chose to be defensive and take them as criticism then that's up to you really. i totally understand that they have a lot on but i as have many always looked forward to the bunting going up at the beginning of the week thought i would just ask if it would be up this year. anon whats up with using your real name scared someone will know who you are??

Re: Carnival - mary poppins (25th Oct 2007 - 20:47:11) Nat - sorry to say that your last post overstepped the mark, I think your time and motion study on the lead up to the Carnival via the efforts of the committee together with their volunteers is very negative, and as someone else said, you seem to have too much time to worry about the organisation, as you have taken a break from float building - perhaps you should take a long break from float building and try organising, with your attention to detail and time the event should run perfectly. (not that it doesn't already). Your remarks do yourself no favours.

Re: Carnival - Truly Scrumptious (25th Oct 2007 - 22:37:35) I have just been reading over all the posts in this thread and feel afew of you have been abit unfair in your responses to Nat's posts...... In her first post she was simply making an observation that in the past few years there have been less smaller floats, push & pulls & walking floats. Which is nothing against anyone personally. Is it? Her next point was about the bunting not being up yet, which was not necessarily a criticism of the carnival commitee; she simply asked when it would be up. I think most of the village (including Nat) realise that the committee are all volunteers & do give up lots of their time but it seems to me that she was just asking why things (like the bunting) aren't being done as quickly as they used to be. Mary Poppins......hmmmm.......is this a clue to a carnival float theme this year?

Re: Carnival - Anon 2 (25th Oct 2007 - 22:46:36) Personally the question Nat asked was a bit stupid simple because the bunting is put up every year and will be. Just because it hasnt been put up yet - (apparently as the volunteer has been rather busy) doesnt mean that it wont be. Also y does it matter about the name - personally its just a silly child comment saying "anon whats up with using your real name scared someone will know who you are?? Sad really. Oh well. p.s Good luck everyone with the floats, What are the brownies and guides doing? - think thats what nat and Jane M were on bout wasnt it?

Re: Carnival - Fozzie (25th Oct 2007 - 23:43:21) Lets not be too harsh. Yes, I too think that Nat has overstepped the mark, and she was only asking some questions, but I didn't expect the Spanish Inqusition!!! (Python) LOL Perhaps it was Nat who offered to put the the banners and bunting up... I don't think so... LOL I also agree that Nat's energies could be better spent elsewhere. The Canival Committee make no secrets about their identity and if Nat genuinely wants answers to her questions ( instead of posting rhetorical questions), why not ask a Committee member instead of wasting time with pointless (disguised) criticism of the efforts of the willing volunteers. Three cheers for the Carnival, Hip hip hip Hooray!!! I am really in the spirit of Carnival now, or is it the essence? nb Nat, I hope you do enjoy the Carnival, lets hope you do not post unnecessary negative criticism after the event. Fozzie

Re: Carnival - Mary poppins (26th Oct 2007 - 09:42:25) Truly You made a comment that people should not get personal towards nat - take a good look at the first and last parts of her last post - the only one I have commented on - if that was NOT personal, what is. She obviously has your support, and is known to you - perhaps you could whisper in her shell like that making such comments should be avoided - after all good friends can tell each other anything!! that apart, I think it is good that questions are asked, and in the beginning the question seemed basic, but as the post increased so did an underlying message - perhaps on paper some read it differently than others. If I was a committee member or volunteer, I would be persoanlly offended that there have been a few questions about the organisation this year, especially from someone who has been so actively involved and enjoyed it, and should perhaps be more supportive i.e. asking the question: I noticed the bunting wasn't up yet, would you like ME to help you. Much more pro-active and community led!

Re: Carnival - anon (26th Oct 2007 - 13:53:06) Not in it this year but still trying to be the centre of attention i see. Some things don't change. Nothing like a bit of community spirit is there!

Re: Carnival - J (26th Oct 2007 - 16:40:53) y r we all argueing or discussing agressively??? Isn't carnival about working as a team and enjoying your self. Yes theres the prizes but thats just a bonus (like everyone thinks, appart from a few) If we win it would be good but if we dont we're not gonna have a break down or blame everyone we will be happy we took part. Thats how relaxed we are - we like carnival, its fun, everyone is involved, We go to take part for the community and have fun Anyone else think the same???

Re: Carnival - j (26th Oct 2007 - 22:00:34) someone agrees with my last comment One day to go till carnival are you excited?

Re: Carnival - Alex Cameron (27th Oct 2007 - 01:08:07) Fozzie, anon, J, Anon 2 etc etc ad nauseam. For goodness sake put the coffee, Daily Mail and smoking jacket down and read what Nat is saying before you instantly react like someone had kicked you in the shin. Its painfully embarassing. Like i said to Nat this evening, this is the town where soundchecking for 5mins at 2pm will prompt letters to the council that get a music event stopped. If there's no truth to what she's saying, what's to get wound up about? Personally speaking, as much as i value the carnival for what it is, it doesn't excite me (or other friends who grew up in Liphook but live elsewhere now) enough to come back to see it. There are far fewer floats than i remember when i was younger (teens etc), and the bonfire at Radford was a pretty dangerous place to be. At least we never made the off licence shut up its doors early. I'm not knocking it, and long may it continue (read that bit?). Its my job to start the fights round here, so the only bounds she's overstepping are that she's doing it far more gracefully than i ever would. Don't be so defensive.

Reply to THIS thread
Talkback Home