From the South Molton Gazette of November 9th 1933

At Carnival Witheridge presents the appearance of an armed camp, for the whole evening the greater part of the citizenry banding themselves together with one end in view, the apprehension of cash. The thought that loose money might enter, and, in spite of precautions, find its way out again, hangs as a shadow over the usually placid town; hence the excitement. Such everyday thrills as the search for the gentle bacillus occasionally believed to have found its way into the water supply, or the exquisite verve which accompanies the discovery that the town's fire hose is a number of yards too short, are forgotten, and the place abandons itself to an unconcealed manhunt. Thursday's Carnival ran true to previous form. On entering, cars were seized and, for a consideration, parked in safety, and the unwary visitor was thrown without compunction to the lions. Collectors to the right of them, collectors to the left of them, jostled and tumbled. But the show was worth it. In former years the weather has taken an unwanted interest in the proceedings and at one time on Thursday it looked as though all were in for a soaking, but with the exception of one chilly rain squall the evening held reasonably fine, dry overhead and sloppy beneath. Many people were present from Tiverton, South Molton and neighbouring centres. and a lively quota turned out from the hinterland of Black Dog, Puddington and Cruwys Morchard.

Hard preliminary work is in the main responsible for the success of Witheridge Carnival. Nothing was left to chance, and energetic committees were deputed to attend to various departments, the smooth running of each being a foregone conclusion Situated miles from anywhere, Witheridge has often to avail itself of the social services of a number of towns, a fact reflected in the list of Carnival donations to the Tiverton, South Molton and Devon and Exeter Hospitals, the West of England Eye Infirmary and the Hut Fund.

Carnival Dance

A carnival dance was held at the Angel Assembly Rooms. Music was provided by the Comedy Band and the Melody Makers. Extra police were drafted in and were controlled by Sgt Wilshire; their good humoured efficiency was a factor in the success of the evening. A special bus service was arranged by Witheridge Transport Co. which proved a convenience to residents in the district. The Witheridge Melody Makers Band toured the district prior to the carnival.

Witheridge Carnival 1930 - 1953

On the 27 September 1930 an inaugural meeting, held in the Church Rooms, decided to proceed with a carnival in Witheridge. Officers were appointed, with Mr A Chamberlain as President, Revd J A S Castlehow as Chairman, Mr L C Thomas as treasurer, and Mr C Thorne as secretary. A committee and a number of sub committees were also set up to cover the procession, sideshow, dance, auction, confetti and mascots, collection boxes, torches, and judges. Little time was wasted as they met again on 8 October and decided to allocate £5 for prizes, and to assemble the procession at 6.45 at Northernhay Bank, North Street. It was also noted that the Superintendent of Police had granted a permit for street collections (no persons under the age of 16 to collect).

They then met again on 10 November to change the assembly place to the Square, and the inaugural carnival then took place on 20 November. It proved to be a great success, for, when the accounts were presented on 6 December, it was reported that total receipts amounted to £201.10.6, and that total expenses were £25.15.9, giving a profit of £175.14.9.

The Crediton Chronicle of 22nd November gave a short report of the occasion under the headline "Witheridge Beats the Weather - Fine Carnival Effort". It went on to say "Witheridge rose superior to the handicap of bad weather, soaking rain fell before the procession, and continued intermittently during the evening, saturating tableaux and fancy dress, onlookers and masqueraders alike, damping everything but high spirits".

The following year they held their meeting on 10th September, and this was to be the pattern for a number of years. There was a Procession Committee and a Dance Committee, and Organiser for the following: Refreshments, Dance Refreshments, Lighting, Stalls and Sideshows, Jazz Band, Whist Drive, Clay Pigeon Shoot, Football Match, Skittles, Auction; nearly fifty names appear in the minutes of the meeting of people involved in the organising. It was agreed to continue to allocate the profits on a percentage basis to local hospitals and nursing association and to keep a balance of about £15 in hand. At the October meeting they worried in case the road works in connection with the sewerage scheme might interfere with the Carnival, but they decided to increase the prize money to £12-0-6, and to accept "the Witheridge Comedy Band's offer of their services free for the Dance in the Angel Assembly Room". They decided on the following classes:

Class 1 Mounted Horseman
Class 2 Best Tableau - Steam Wagon or Motor Lorry
Class 3 Best Comic Tableau - Steam Wagon or Motor Lorry
Class 4 Best Tableau's - Horse Wagon
Class 5 Best Comic Tableau's - Horse Wagon
Class 6 Decorated Motor Car
Class 7 Decorated Tradesman's Vehicle
Class 8 Novelty Entry
Class 9 Decorated Cycle or Motor Cycle
Class 10 Pedestrian - School Children
Class 11 Pedestrian - Single Entry
Class 13 Best Decorated Horse Drawing a Vehicle

Final arrangements were made on November 13th, just six days before the Carnival itself, Mr Maire was asked "to roll more level the places where new drains have been laid". Mrs Palfreyman reported a profit on the Whist Drive of £4 approx, and it was agreed that "Free Refreshment Tickets should be given to the members of the Three bands playing at the Carnival and to the Judges, and that Free Dance Tickets should be given to members of the Carnival Jazz Band". Mr Moore of South Molton was to be invited to give a firework display, but was not to be allowed to sell fireworks to the public. At a meeting on 15th December they were delighted to be able to donate £110-6-0 to the hospitals and nursing associations.

In contrast to the short report that the Crediton Chronicle gave the event in 1930, the 1931 Carnival got the full treatment, nearly three full-length columns (not tabloid) containing about three thousand five hundred words.

Witheridge Carnival - A Triumph over Adversity, Mirth, Grace and Moisture.

The reporter set the scene like this: - "Unless they are careful the promoters of Witheridge Carnival will achieve the double-barrelled reputation of providing one of the best and most consistent carnivals in the district and, at the same time, some of the worst weather. Last year the procession was held in a down pour of rain and wind of gale force, on November 19th things were somewhat better, for a watery moon made valiant efforts to smile on the moving panorama of tableaux, but as soon as the procession was over the rain set in by the proverbial bucketful. Nothing daunted, the Carnival went on, and proved if anything to be an improvement on the previous effort. Many factors combined to make the show better. The installation of electric lights in the village enabled a scheme of coloured lamps to be used in the centre of the town, a welcome innovation that did much to counterbalance the recent labours of sappers and miners who apparently had had most of the streets up. Without adequate illumination, it would have been an unpleasant adventure to cross the roads. The allocation of special rooms for Judges, Officers and the Press was a thoughtful innovation on the part of those responsible for the arrangements. Whatever the weather or the exigencies of the national call for economy, Witheridge takes its pleasures cheerfully; on Thursday the village was en fete, and attracted many visitors".

There followed a list of Committee members and Judges, and details of the other activities such as the dance at the Angel, skittles, whist drive and auction.

The remaining two columns of print were taken up under the heading "The Procession Described", and began with these words:- "Last year Witheridge gave evidence as to what it could provide in the way of a spectacular procession; on this occasion the lesson was rammed home. In every way the line of tableaux, decorated motors and cycles was an effective sight. The coloured lights festooned over the main streets enhanced the spectacular effect, giving a top light to the torches and brightly illuminated cars. As many people as ever appeared to have flocked into the village from the surrounding districts, including visitors from the Chulmleigh and Chawleigh districts, who were engaged in comparing the effort with their own recently held carnivals. Encouraging music was dispensed by the Tiverton Town Band (Bandmaster W Loosemore) and Crediton Town Band (Bandmaster L Bennellick). The moist conditions did not affect the quality of music provided. Decorated horses were again a feature of the Carnival, an attraction of the centres would do well to emulate. Decorated manes and tail and shining coats, covered with polished and glittering harness were a tribute to many hours work on the part of the drivers".

The report then gave a detailed description of many of the entries, of which the following are some examples:- "Witheridge Talkies Just Arrived" was a skit on the long-established illusion that women are the loquacious sex. Mr Nott's lorry, in charge of Mr W Chapple, was transformed from its everyday appearance into a local parliament of ladies with a sprinkling of men, busy engaged in knitting, drinking tea, and the most engrossing task of all - discussing the affairs of their neighbours. Looking at the tableau one quickly received the impression that no-one's reputation was safe for very long. The acting of the various occupants was realistic, and gave the impression of a number of animated conversations going on at one and the same time, in which each person was talking whether or not anyone was listening. Act on was liberally used, looks of surprise and condemnation, generally of the "I thought so and told you so" variety predominating. The characters in this hard working entry were taken by Mr and Mrs Bristow, the Misses L B and P Chapple, Mr J Holmes, Mr B Stenner, Miss D Ford and Master Billie Southcott.

"Witheridge Past and Present" was novel in conception. The Lorry was divided to represent the living rooms of a house. In one half a party of gentleman, got up regardless, with fierce moustaches, fat cigars and all the trimmings, were engaged in a game which looked suspiciously like ha'penny nap. The cards went round and festivities were merry and bright, in contrast to the other portion of the tableau, where an old couple were sitting in domestic felicity round the teapot. The occupants were Messrs W Kingdom, B Nott, W Gold, F Kingdom, and Mr and Mrs W H Selley.

Amusement and fears for the old shirt and collar were provided by a glance at "Drayford Washing Day, 1931", where laundry was being subjected to processes more suitable to sheet steel than linen. Inventive genius had been devoted to the appliances used; the washerwomen in the persons of Mrs W Venner, Mrs Sanders, Miss I Venner, Miss A Venner and Master F Venner spared no effort in playing their parts. Mr S Stoneman drove the wagon.

Fashion's trend can always be trusted to reflect itself in a carnival, especially when it leads to pretty effects. A few years ago Venice and other Continental resorts set the pace in up-to-date beach attire; in time the vogue spread to Britain, and Witheridge took the lesson to heart and blossomed out upon an astonished world with a beauty chorus who termed themselves "Witheridge Beach Girls". Beach pyjamas of smart cut and vivid hue, with rush sombreros and sandals, were well displayed against a wagon decorated to represent a seaside scene. The lighting was particularly good. Those taking part were Mrs C Maire, Misses E Mitchell, J Gunn, E Whittock and E Gold. Mr A Haydon at the horse had a perilous cargo in his wake.

"Silver Wings" was a novel and pretty innovation in decorated motorcars. A saloon car, driven by Mr W Brent, was decorated with a silver motif, ribbons, flowers etc., creating the effect; in the centre of the car was placed a large bowl of goldfish, whose movements were caught and reflected by the light, forming a charming contrast to the general colour scheme. Three little girls (Barbara Pickard, Kathleen Lamprey and Rita Selley), seated within, dressed in fairylike frocks, completed a pretty picture.

The Witheridge Nursing association entered an appropriate wagon - "Convalescent Home". Mrs Gard, Mrs Davies, Mrs Whittock, Mrs Sillifant, Jose Baker, Bert Winter, Leslie Criddle, and Nora Holmes were the central figures. Divided wagons are popular this year; the entry followed the fancy; on one side was shown the inner workings of a medical institution, and on the other patients in degrees varying from the hopeless ill-health to robust and bouncing restoration. The medical department were engaged in preparing prescriptions, looking after the commissariat and generally giving the public a glimpse of what goes on behind the scenes. The patients were skilfully made up to represent their condition of health.

A comic entry, "O la la Beauty Parlour", created mirth, Mr G Woodman drove, Messrs S W and C Thorne, W Maunder and J Adams were the specialists and unfortunate victims. The title of the exhibit explained itself, a beauty parlour of the Heath Robinson variety, made all the funnier by the antics of the performers.

Mrs A Mills and Master E Winser had a turnout, "Going to Market in 1891". The idea was not unique, but there is a certain sham in the old dog-cart and the homely country figures of a past generation, with their baskets of produce, rattling along with a cracking whip.

"Before and after Treatment" was another humorous exhibit. Messrs F and M Blackford, M and K Reed, J Churchill, F Leach, Tanner, Tucker, and B Blackford took the self-explanatory parts.

There was a good entry of decorated cycles, Master A Leat (Washford) wheeled a machine cleverly contrived to represent a "Chinese Lantern". Paper lanterns swinging on the body of the machine added to the effect. Another brilliantly lit entry was "Sitting on a Rainbow" (Marjorie Southcott). A large rainbow of vivid colours surmounted the machine. Stanley Hunt, wearing a mask, entered a cycle trimmed with coloured paper, and Gordon Reed (Hare and Hounds Hotel) was dressed up as Father Christmas. A "Buy British" cycle was in charge of Dorothy Webber.

The report ended with a paragraph headed "The Foot Brigade". "There did not", wrote the reporter, "appear to be as many pedestrians in fancy dress as last year". The most conspicuous gang was the jazz band under the leadership of Mr C Pickard. His accomplices were Douglas, Frank and Fred Kingdom, S Hitchcock, J Ford and Arthur Brent. In costume and noise, the band was distinguished. Others in fancy dress included: Henry Davey and Gwen Hooper attired as Gypsies, Gordon and James Luxton, who were out "Hiking", and in similar vein Stanley Beer and Henry Down ("On the Road"). "The White-eyed Kaffir" concealed Mr J Trevelyan, while F Hill (Crediton) impersonated Charlie Chaplin. Willie Knight was a study in "Black and White", Sylvia Leach was a charming Father Christmas. Jean Keith, with picture hat, copied Gainsborough's Duchess of Devonshire, and C and E Selley represented the Red Cross. Messrs P Courtenay and F Long made a pair with Hiking and Grannie. R Mildon advertised the Lido.

And so it went on, the preliminary meeting in mid-September, and a further meeting or meetings shortly before the Carnival itself. It was always held on a Thursday (early closing day), but the actual date was back to November 3rd in 1932, and to October 20th in 1938. Always there was a long and impressive list of those involved, and changes were confined to such matters as giving each bandsman a shilling rather than a free refreshment ticket, voting not to include the Black Dog Nursing Association as a beneficiary, deciding to hire a "skittling alley" from South Molton, and so on. Occasionally there was disagreement, usually over the allocation of the profits; in 1933 the minutes record "an additional amendment of the amended amendment of the proposal was proposed by F R Tudball and seconded by Mr Adams that a portion of the money be given towards a village hut fund. The motion was carried". (The hut was in the field below today's Mole Valley Farmers and was used by, among others, the Scouts). The local "Jazz Band" were regular attenders, and in 1933 a request was made to the Exe Valley Electric Light Company (in West Street) for their help with extra lighting. In 1933 Mr Tudball tried again to propose that "a Quarter of the proceeds be given to start a hut fund" but he got no support. However, Mrs Ollerenshaw's proposal that £10 be kept "in trust for the hut fund" was carried, and Mr Selley's amendment that "the sum be altered from £10 to £5" was defeated by six votes. Mr Selley then tried again, proposing that if the £10 for the hut fund was not claimed in six months it should revert to the Carnival Fund. At this point in the meeting, the Chairman, Rev J A S Castlehow, had had enough of this subject and got a proposal through that "the question of handing the money over should be left in abeyance until this time next year". Mr Castlehow resigned next year but was back again in 1953, when it the minutes showed that "Through the Jazz Band being unable through lack of instruments to tour the district, Mr Knight be asked to fulfil these engagements with his radiogram,". In 1936, the September meeting had to be adjourned "owing to there being such a small company present", but ten days later, there was a better turnout, and preparations went ahead. In the event £90 was distributed to the usual hospitals and nursing associations, in 1935 it had been £100, and the same in 1934.

In 1937 some apparently regular features got a mention, such as "that the Boy Scouts again be asked to carry torchlight's around as last year", and that "Mr Knight with his radio and Mr Pickard with his band be again asked to tour the district as in other years". This time the question of having a Carnival Queen was first discussed and agreed to, with Mr Culhene as convenor. 1937 turned out to be a particularly successful Carnival, with a very long and detailed report in the Crediton Chronicle, and £140 available for distribution. The Chronicle headlined "Witheridge Carnival Success" and "Carnival Queen Contest - A Magnificent Response". The Chronicle went on to say, "a prelude to the Carnival was staged on Monday evening" when the "Queen", Miss Joan Nott, aged 12 was crowned. She is the daughter of Mr and Mrs A Nott of Eastway. There were 15 candidates, and between them they raised the magnificent sum of £58 in pennies". "For several nights prior to the Carnival a band of willing helpers toured the district with Mr Knight's radiogram, and a substantial sum was raised in this manner". Tableaux that got most favourable mention included "The Sculptor", "Rocky Mountaineers", "H.M.S. Witheridge", "Varmer You Naw - Ee Makes Varming Pay", "A Romany Camp", "Kirk's Wool Bar", "Coronation Dancers", "Interval in Business". Among the children's entries there was special praise for "Carol Singers" (Joan Ratcliffe, Bryan Hitchcock, Kathleen Pyne, Gordon Pyne, Ivor Bourne and Les Tucker), Babes in the Wood (Ronald Ashelford and Valerie Leach), and Betty Way as a Mounted Red Indian. The report ended by saying that "The village was tastefully illuminated with coloured lights provided by the Exe Valley Electricity Company Ltd. Messrs Lock's amusements and sideshows were in the square and contributed to the Carnival funds".

In 1938 £100 was available, after a good Carnival, for distribution, and in addition Mr Knight's radiogram was purchased. When they met on August 28th 1939, the shadow of war hung over their meeting, the attendance was poor, but nevertheless they fixed October 26th as Carnival Day. When they met again, however, on September 11th the minutes record that "owing to the declaration of war it was decided not to hold a Carnival this year, but it was unanimously agreed to that an effort be made to collect as much money as possible by sending out the collecting books etc". (The proceeds were to be distributed as usual). This they continued to do until 1943, after which there is a gap in the minutes until July 22nd 1946. At this meeting Mr W Thomas retired as Treasurer, having done the job since 1930; Mr D Kingdom was appointed in his place. Mr E Hutchings became President and the Vicar continued as Chairman. They decided to restart the Carnival, and as judges they invited the Earl and Countess of Eldon (Rackenford Manor), Mr and Mrs Allanson Bailey (Bradford Tracey), Mr F Verney and Mrs Cruwys. The effect of the war was still being felt, as they had to apply to the Regional Petroleum Officer for a petrol allowance for any car drivers who volunteered to drive collecting parties, and they also had to "apply to the Food Office for permit for light refreshments", and the radiogram was to be repaired. The "Footlight Follies Concert Party" were invited to give an entertainment. Mechanisation on farms was recognised by the inclusion of a class for "Agriculture, Drawn by Tractor". This first post-war Carnival turned out to be successful, with profit of £183-15-7, of which £160 was allotted to the usual hospitals and nursing associations.

1948 saw Mr Allanson Bailey take over as Chairman; a competition to find "Miss Witheridge" was added, prize money for the classes was increased, and there was to be a draw for a bicycle, "value £12-12-0". This latter idea however fell foul of the law of lotteries and had to be abandoned. Tradesmen were to be asked to keep their shop lights on, and £5 was to be offered to the South Molton Band for their attendance, "should their fee exceed that sum the Committee would be unable to entertain same". The result was another success, with £180 to be distributed, but with a difference: £100 stayed within the parish (£75 to the top Playing Field and £25 to the Mitre Committee, the forerunners of the Parish Hall Committee), and £80 went to the nursing and hospital services. This was the last occasion on which these services benefited from Witheridge Carnival, due perhaps to the coming of the National Health Service.

1948 saw further changes, as it was decided for the first time to hold the event on a Saturday "in the hope of lorries etc. being available earlier in the day for those bringing tableaux and giving more time for stripping down during the weekend". In addition, 90% of the profits were to stay in the village and go to the Witheridge British Legion, the Church Tower Repair Fund, the Playing Field, the Football Club, Tennis Club and Bowling Club. There were no longer horse-wagon classes, but classes for "Mounted Horseman" and "Best Decorated Horse" continued. There were only three candidates for Carnival Queen: Miss Sylvia Sowden collected £84-3-0 and was Queen for the second year in succession. A profit of £222-12-3 was made and "the newly formed Cricket Club" was added to the list of beneficiaries.

Increased interest in the possibility of a Parish Hall for Witheridge was reflected in the decision in 1949 that the whole of that year's profits should go to the Parish Hall Fund, in view of the fact that the Mitre Club was unlikely to materialize. They ran two dances this year on Carnival Night: the B and M Band played in the Angel Room, and the Ambassadors in the Church School. Perhaps increasing car ownership brought Police Sergeant Bond to a meeting to make special arrangements for parking. There was a record profit of £291-15-1, which all went to the Parish Hall Fund.

In 1950, they needed more meetings than usual. They met twice in July, appointed Lord Eldon as President and were concerned that there was only one candidate for Queen. They met twice again in August, agreeing to the purchase of a "Portable Wireless" as first prize for the draw, and "a cylinder of Hydrogen for a Balloon Competition". The Skylarks Dance Band was engaged, the collecting boxes were to be renovated, and the usual extension of street lighting to midnight requested. The parking problem was solved by offers of space at Lakelands, the Mitre Field, the Market Field and land next to Mr Venner's garage for buses. The Women's Institute took charge of the refreshments. Further meetings were held in September and October, when they were glad to learn that five Queen Candidates had come forward, with Miss Marion Holt as the winner. After the Carnival, the sum of £118-7-8 went to the Hall Fund, followed by a further £183-15-0 in 1951. The accounts for this year make special reference to the payment of a half crown Toll to the Lord of the Manor for use of the Square, although this was almost certainly a regular outlay.

In 1952 there is a gap in the Minute Book; a meeting was arranged for May 2nd, and the Chairman signed the previous minutes on May 9th, but there is no record of any business being transacted on May 2nd, May 9th or any other date in 1952, and no Carnival took place. There was a Public Meeting on July 3rd 1953 to consider whether "to revive the Carnival", and at a further meeting on July 10th they resolved to go ahead. After some hesitation two Queen candidates came forward, but the Committee had difficulty in securing judges, and the W I could not provide a convener for refreshments, although individual members would help. The minutes record that refreshments might therefore have to be abandoned, but Mrs Williams stepped in and saved the day. Nothing however could save the 1953 Carnival from the weather, and the headlines in the Tiverton Gazette told the story "Carnival Carries on despite Weather" and "Thunderstorms Swamp Tableaux and Spectators at Witheridge". The report went on "Thunder, lighting, and hours of pouring rain terrified horses, swamped the gay tableaux, drenched competitors and spectators alike and turned the streets into swirling streams, but the organisers of Witheridge Carnival on Saturday decided to carry on. "What else can we do?" they asked when nine tableaux beat the weather and began to turn up for the procession. Most of the tableaux, which came from as far as Tiverton and West Anstey were well on their way when the storm broke. It had passed its heights by the time they reached Witheridge, but the damage was already done. Tarpaulin sheets, carried for emergency were brought into use by provided little resistance against the heavy downpour.

The children, decorated cycles and prams and adult walkers found refuge in the Angel Room, where they were marshalled and judged. But outside it was a different story. Gamely, competitors mounted their tableaux and rolled back protective coverings for the judging. They stayed in position for a short parade round the village, led by the Tiverton and Crediton Town Bands and two machines from Witheridge Fire Brigade and the N F S huddled in doorways, the few drenched spectators cheered encouragement but could see little of the finer points of the entries. "She won't burn tonight", quipped a spectator as Miss P Davis, wearing a plastic mackintosh, was lashed to the stake on Tiverton Walronds Social Club's "The Last Hours of Joan of Arc". The other characters also bowed to the weather and wore galoshes and raincoats over their costumes. The four local entries were more fortunate because in most cases they were able to keep their tableaux under cover until the worst of the storm had passed. But even then "Witheridge Poachers" turned out in an open-top coach and kept up a non stop pantomime while the water grew deeper around them.

The Queen, 20-year-old Miss Margaret Parker, of the Post Office, was to have driven in state through the village in an open landau drawn by a pair of horses lent by Mr C Perkins of Sandford. The carriage and pair arrived in fine weather, but with the first alarming flash of lighting the horses panicked and had to be freed from their traces and let out into a nearby field. Not to be outdone the Queen led the parade in a car, lent by Mr F Venner. With the Queen in the car was her attendant, 26-year-old Miss Marcella Andrews of Mill Park, Witheridge. Between them they collected £75 in two penny votes, Miss Parker £52, and Miss Andrews £ 23. Lady McNair, wife of the President, crowned Miss Parker at a concert at the Angel on Thursday. The competition was organised by Mrs I Way.

This year, in the light of past difficulties, the Carnival Committee decided to have car parks at each end of the village. However, the scheme had to be dropped because both parks became little more than quagmires. As it was, very few cars were to be seen. The carnival was the first in the village since 1951, and from their original meeting in July the Committee had been working against time to make arrangements. Faced with total loss through the weather, they spared no efforts to achieve some measure of success and keep up the reputation they had tried so hard to revive. The day was brought to a close with two dances at the Angel Room and the Schoolroom. Mrs E Williams, Mrs Parkhouse and helpers, served refreshments at Messrs Venner's garage.

In spite of so much misfortune a profit of £51-16-9 was made and put into the Parish Hall Fund, which now stood at £632-10-5. Sadly, it was to be the last Carnival for twenty-four years. The next record of a meeting is dated 21st June 1956, where it was decided, subject to Charity Commission approval, to hand over the Parish Hall Fund to the Parish Hall Committee, and to retain the balance of funds "to be used to promote any venture that would benefit the Parish, providing the Trustees were satisfied that a properly convened had been formed". The minutes of this meeting were signed by Mr A J Knight on 11th March 1968, which was the date of the winding up public meeting, at which the remaining balances of £141-12-11 were dispersed, £99-3-0 to the Youth Club, and £42-9-11 to the Football Club.

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