WHITSTONE Carnival week began on Friday. July 16 with the crowning of the Carnival Queen followed by an evening of great entertainment.

This year's queen is Shannon Bluett and her attendants were Zoe Bluett and Ellie Tucker. Shannon wore a lovely dark blue green full length dress with beaded detail, whilst Zoe and Ellie wore white dresses. All three girls carried bouquets or flower hoops with cream flowers. The hall was just as beautifully decorated for the occasion, with coloured drapes, silver balloons, cream flowers and dark green foliage.

Danielle Christie, who was queen for 2009, thanked everyone who helped her and wished Shannon 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, Acorns Playgroup, Whitstone Toddlers and the Whitstone Methodist Youth Club — a total of £900 was donated by the carnival.

The entertainment for the evening was introduced and compered by Ean Lawrence, and took the form of a musical variety show with various performances — including a Michael Jackson tribute dance performed by Kolby Lyma and Ocean Robinson, musical performances from Hilary and Tony Littlewood and Black Galleon to name a few.

The evening was enjoyed by many, and demonstrated the wonderful hidden skills and talents the village has to offer. The entertainment finished with an audience and performers sing along, kindly organised by Margaret Stanbury.

Skittles were played on Saturday, July 17 and four children's teams supported the evening. Later that evening eight adult teams played and the final cup winners were the team comprised Chris Hopper, James and Richard Medland, Andy Adamson, Roger Pickard and Laura Bray.

On Sunday, July 20 a united service was held at St Anne's Hall kindly organised by the help of Whitstone Church, led by Rev Rob Dickenson with Week St Mary Choir adding to the well attended service.

The whist drive on Monday, July 21 was well attended with 15 tables and a good variety of prizes donated by the local community.

The flower and produce show held on Tuesday, July 20 had a high level and number of entries for 40 classes.

On Thursday, July 22, an excellent car treasure hunt was organised and written by Dan Cock. Everyone had an enjoyable evening taking in the local countryside, and thankfully every car returned home to enjoy a well earned pasty. Twenty five cars took part in the event and the overall winners were The Furse Family, with 'Just milling around'.

Whitstone Carnival children's sports took place on Friday, July 23 at Whitstone Head School, games were kindly organised by Brian Martyn with the help of Rebecca Stanbury and Amy Colwill along with many parents on the side lines. The weather thankfully stayed kind with some blue sky and sunshine.

The evening saw children take place in running races, egg and spoon, sack races, two legged races, the apple bobbing, finishing with the tug 'o' war, which saw children and adults both competing to beat the opposition. The evening was well supported by the local children and parents and many thanks go to Whitstone Head School for the use of the sports pitch.

There was a great deal of community spirit at the Grand Carnival, with the event being very well supported by all who came along. Many children entered the fancy dress to a high standard and families from within the village put together wonderful tableaus. The carnival procession was led by Bude Town Band, who gave a wonderful performance to lead the carnival. The carnival procession was led by the band into the field by kind permission of the Medland family where spectators were able to view the tableaus and indulge in the barbecue that was on offer.

Many thanks go to John Mill and the judges for the carnival. The barbecue and a bar was kindly run by the carnival committee and money raised during the week will be distributed to local organisations. Whitstone Carnival Chairman, Justin Uglow, expressed his sincere thanks to everyone involved for all their help during a busy and successful week. Thanks also went to the judges and helpers, and Angela Orchard for organising this year's show.