IT WAS a triumphant return on Saturday, July 22, for Whitstone Carnival, which was back for 2017 with fantastic support.

The schedule saw the village enjoying numerous events. It started with a wonderful afternoon for the children’s sports, where all ages competed at the egg and spoon, sack races and an obstacle course. Thanks were expressed to Andrew and Emily Medland who organised a lovely sports afternoon despite the damp weather.

The produce show for 2017 was well supported with numerous entries and at such a high standard. The carnival committee thanked all who helped in the preparation for the show, and thanked the stewards and judges Pat Boundy, Susan Osbourne, Pat Lane and Ernie Hicks for their support.

The carnival committee also thanked the carnival judges, Judith Taylor and Derek Orchard and Derek and Gill Cole, and Hamblys, Whitstone for the loan of their yard for tableaus to set up.

The carnival committee was in a fortunate position to be able to re-distribute money raised from the 2016 carnival to the village organisations — a total of £950 was donated to the organisations.

Saturday’s activities concluded with the ‘Whitstone Set the Ball Rolling’, an event that saw 200 footballs being sold prior to the event, the balls were then loaded into a trailer and released down a well rehearsed course. First ball past the post was the winner and collected £100 winnings. The evening was rounded off with a bar and barbecue many thanks to the parish council for organising the great event. Ball Roll: 1st Rob Orchard, 2nd Ray Barkwell, 3rd Mike Sutton.

The village skittles evening was held on July 21, with eleven teams of six competing for the highest score. Players enjoyed the bar and pasties and the cup winners were a team comprising of Ian Braund, Jason Colwill, Paul Martin, Viv Orchard, Kevin Dawe and Ivor Cobbledick. Thanks were given for the support of Whitstone Village Stores and Crantock Bakery for the donation of the pasties.

On the Saturday, the village turned out for the ‘Grand Carnival’. The event was very well supported and showed the wonderful community spirit in Whitstone. Thankfully the rain gave way and the village basked in sunshine. There was a huge number of children’s fancy dress walkers and float numbers were also up from 2016. The procession was led by Energia Samba Band who provided a great atmosphere for the event.

The carnival finished in the village hall where everyone was able to enjoy side stalls, which were organised by the various charities and groups in the village. The evening continued with a barbecue and bar.

Money raised during the week will be distributed to local organisations.

See this week’s Post for the carnival results.