WHITSTONE Carnival week began on Friday July 17 with the crowning of the Carnival Queen followed by an evening of entertainment. This year's Queen is Danielle Christie and her attendants, Courtney Roberts and Alaina Matthews and pageboys Kolby and Casey Lyma. Danielle wore a lovely burgundy full length dress with beaded detail, Courtney and Alaina wore white dresses with burgundy embroidery and bead detail. All three girls carried bouquets and baskets of burgundy and cream flowers. Kolby and Casey wore black suits with white shirts and burgundy bow ties.

The hall was beautifully decorated for the occasion with burgundy and cream balloons and ribbons.

Beth Hughes, who was Queen for 2008, thanked everyone who helped her and wished Danielle good luck for the forthcoming year.

Cheques from the Carnival Funds raised last year were donated to local organisations. Money was given to Whitstone School, St.Anne's Hall, St Anne's Church, Whitstone Methodist Chapel, Smile Club, Whitstone Ladies Skittles and the Acorns Playgroup a total of £1800 was donated by the Carnival.

The entertainment for the evening was introduced and compared by Trevor Tucker, the evening took the form of a variety show with various performances including a comedy sketch written and performed by Richard Horn and Daniel Cock. They provided the audience with the "news headlines" with a local theme! A solo signing performance from Angela Edgecombe, dance, tap and ballet performances to name but a few. The evening was enjoyed by many and demonstrated the wonderful hidden skills and talents the village has to offer. The evening finished with an audience and performers sing along and was kindly organised by Margaret Stanbury.

Skittles were played on Saturday July 18 and four children's teams supported the evening. Later that evening ten adult teams played and the final cup winners were the 'Committed Team' Margaret and John Stanbury, Justin Uglow, Lindsey Hobbs, Geoffrey and Chris Hopper.

On Sunday July 20 a united service was held at St.Anne's Hall kindly organised by the help of John Mill and led by Reverend John Henry.

The whist drive on Monday July 21 was well attended with many tables and kindly organised by Tom Collins.

The flower and produce show held on Tuesday July 21, had a high level and number of entries for 40 classes.

See this week's 'Post' for more photos and carnival results.