Carnival QueenA few years later it was decided to limit the number of teams to four with all the matches being played at Watton, with Ashill, Rockland, Shipdham, Hockham, Hingham and Great Cressingham be ing among the teams invited to participate over the years. This created much more local interest and proved a great success with the final attracting crowds of over 2,000. When Ashill were in the final, just about everyone from the village came to cheer them which created an electrical atmosphere and win, or lose; the sportsmanship of all teams and supporters in those days was exemplary. Like Watton Show Day, the Hospital Carnival Weeks were looked forward to from one year to the next and what wonderful social occasions they were, with something for everyone to partake in. Sundays were devoted to Sacred Concerts and United Services and on Mondays the Carnival Queen was crowned at Loch Neaton. Previous to 1934 the carnival Queen's were selected by the committee, but from then on they were elected by public vote.
Bowls, tennis and swimming competitions were the main events at the Loch on Monday evenings. A variety concert, or a musical revue was the usual Tuesday fare. Throughout Wednesday's there was "A Trail of Pennies", when thousands were laid along the kerb of the main streets and in the evening "A Mystery Treasure Hunt" was followed by a Grand Dance. Thursday was "The Great Day" with a "Monster Carnival Procession" up to two miles long, followed by various entertainments on a meadow that is now part of Charles Avenue. Probably the best remembered were Watts Naval Training School Display Party and the Internationally Famous, Dagenham Girl Pipers, and both these groups also provided a band that together with our own British Legion Band, escorted the Carnival Procession around the town. Friday was usually taken up with a Non-stop Whist Drive and Saturday was another marvellous day with Rodeo acts, motor cycle gymkhana's etc., after which the week concluded with another "Grand Carnival Dance".
Following the closure of the hospital various organisations have earned on running a Carnival Week and raising considerable sums of money that have benefited many worthy causes including the British Legion, R.A.F., Benevolent Fund, Silver Thread Club, Watton and District Band, Loch Neaton Swimming Pool, Children's Playground Equipment, Memorial Playing Field, F.E.P.O.W, Association, Youth Centre, Watton Sports Association and the Boy Scouts. |
The 1934 Carnival Queen and her attendants.
