Hastings Old Town Carnival Week 2009
Message from Old Hastings Preservation Society
For 57 years we have been celebrating Hastings Old Town as a great place. You will find a warm welcome at Hastings History House, 21 Courthouse Street, where there is a great selection of events, and at the Fishermens Museum, where there will be a special exhibition of items donated to the museum, but which have not yet been on public display.
Thank you to the whole Old Town community, who have worked hard to offer another fantastic range of events to enjoy. 2009 is promising to be the one of the best Old Town Weeks ever. Of course, we can't help the weather, but last year we had enough rain to last several years, so this year we've ordered lots of sunshine!
I know you will be generous with your donations into the collecting buckets and boxes. This is our main fundraising event of the year and helps so much towards the running and maintenance of our headquarters at the History House.
Thank you for supporting Old Town Carnival Week 2009. Have a wonderful week !
Anne Scott MBE
Chairperson, Old Hastings Preservation Society
Registered Charity No. 221623, Hastings History House, 21 Courthouse Street
Message from the Old Town Carnival Week Coordinator
Here we are again hopefully with good weather and a warm and sunny Old Town Carnival Week to look forward to. In spite of the current recession, we have an extremely good programme of events this year, with something for everyone.
There are many new entries this year including events for the children with the spectacular "Pirates Day" on Friday.
Hastings Old Town Carnival Week is coordinated by Old Hastings Preservation Soc. with the support of other local organisations including Hastings Old Town Carnival Association and High Street Traders.
Without the various local groups and volunteer organisations in Hastings Old Town, this week of celebrations would never take place.
Have a good week, and enjoy yourselves!
Ian Porter
Old Town Carnival Week Coordinator
Message from the Hastings Old Town Carnival Association
May I first thank all our many friends, sponsors and supporters of this year's carnival. Without your continued support we would not be able to put on one of the major events in the town.
The Old Town never ceases to amaze me with its ingenuity. Many of the events in Old Town Week were started by local characters with practically no finances just an urge to provide free fun and entertainment for everyone, or to commemorate an event in order to raise money for charity. This week is one of the few times you can enjoy a great week with very little outlay on your part but a donation in the boxes is what the week is all about.
A lot of hard work goes on by volunteers behind the scenes and well before, to comply with requirements of various authorities, and Marshals are always needed for Carnival Day and the procession, and other events during the week, so if you feel you can volunteer, please give us a call.
Shortly after last year's carnival we lost one of our stalwart helpers, Lynn Pond. Although terminally ill, she carried on regardless, in her wheelchair, as a marshal and then helped with the coin counting afterwards. Her cheerful disregard for her condition was an example to us all and we miss her.
Wishing you all good health and a week of family fun please give generously.
Bill Wicking
President, Hastings Old Town Carnival Association
Message from the Hastings Old Town Carnival Association
Another year, another carnival..
This year, we probably have the strongest and most committed membership for many years. With new and younger members come new ideas. Plans are well advanced to have more on-street entertainment prior to the parade and before the magnificent firework display we have become accustomed to over the years.
We are aiming for three road shows performing at various sites around the route, and we are hoping for a return of the Excellence Dance Cluster Group, who you may have had the good fortune to see last year better weather this year, we hope!
The ever-popular Pram Race has had a few admin problems but all is now well and we hope it will be one of the grandest races yet, with your support, of course. Dig deep into those pockets and purses as this enable us to give to local needy causes at our donations evening, usually in March.
We were hoping to bring the Carnival Fair back into the Old Town, but after lots of discussion unfortunately it won't be this year. However, please support the fair, wherever it is, as the Davis family says their Hastings stopover is one of their favourites and they donate to the Carnival Association most generously.
Having been involved with the Carnival since the late 1960s, I've seen many fantastic floats, met lots of lovely Carnival Queens, coped with the most beautiful and the most awful weather conditions, dealt with lots of difficult situations, but after 40 years, I'm still around and it's still FUN!! I've been Chairman for nearly two years, and must thank the strong supporting team I have behind me (not least Diana Sherwood, who keeps me in line!) and also the army of volunteers who make your Carnival the success we hope for.
Many groups of all ages put a lot of time and effort into entering the procession PLEASE SUPPORT US, whatever the weather!
Robert Morgan
Chairman, Hastings Old Town Carnival Association
Messages from the Hastings Old Town Carnival Court
Photo By Ion Castro
Hey Everybody
My name is Lara Duke. I'm 20 years old and this year's Carnival Queen (pictured centre). I am looking forward to this up-coming year and have had a fantastic time already. I have met some brilliant and genuine people and know I will meet so many more in Old Town Carnival Week. This is such an exciting time, when family and friends come together to celebrate, and to raise money and awareness for charities. I've lived in Hastings for 19 years of my life and know and relish the amazing sense of community and all the rest that Hastings has to offer. I am very grateful for such an amazing opportunity, which I aim to fulfil. I hope you will come along to support us and have an exciting and lovely week. Wishing you all lots of fun and cherishable laughs.
Lots of love Lara xxx
Lara Duke
Carnival Queen & Miss Hastings
Hiya,
My name is Zoe and I'm thrilled to be this year's First Princess (pictured left). I'm really looking forward to being part of the celebrations that the various Carnivals and events bring. I'm really excited about Old Town Carnival Week! You get a real good sense of community when families, friends and locals get together to celebrate, have fun and raise money for charity. I hope you all enjoy yourselves and that I and the girls have a great year representing our town.
Love Zoe xxx
Zoe Waters
First Princess
Hello,
I'm Vicky Lavender. I'm 20 years old and one of this year's Carnival princesses (pictured right). Since I was chosen, I have attended events and carnivals and had the chance to meet some amazing people, which has been a very enjoyable experience. We have a busy schedule over the next few months with other town carnivals, but most importantly Hastings Carnival. I am looking forward to the opportunity of representing my town and hope to see and meet you all in Old Town Carnival Week.
Lots of love Vicky xxx
Victoria Lavender
Second Princess