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Quainton News Archive - Quainton News No. 33 - Winter 1977 / 8
Aylesbury Carnival - Mick Sell
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After a week and three days of preparation Anthea was almost ready for her first public appearance. Bev and I rose at 7 O'clock and dashed off to Quainton, picking up Graham Cripps on the way. After putting up the flags and bunting off we dashed back to Aylesbury. 9.30 am: 3½ hours to go and still a lot to do. Graham has the job of sign writing, my mother is doing the breakfast, my father is putting the finishing paint on the loco, and Bev and I are decorating the car with posters. 12.15 pm: The time has come for the delicate operation of moving Anthea from her shed, (front room dining table), to the roof of our car. 12.20 pm: Success! Two inches to spare all round front door and a perfect fit on roof rack. 12.45 pm: Chris, Michael and Joanne Taylor arrive to give out hand bills advertising our Open Days. 1.00pm: We set off for the start. Now for the long wait while all the floats gather and are judged. 3.00 pm: Tim Stevens arrives with his barrow of coal, we all black our faces with coal dust and wait. 4.00 pm: We're off! I'm driving, Michael next to me with the hand bills, Bev and Joanne one side, Chris and Graham the other, and with Tim and his barrow bringing up the rear. What a sight! Seven dirty people in grease tops and overalls parading through Aylesbury on a sunny June Saturday. But what fun! Chris had a notice on his back saying, "I've lost my Loco". Tim had his barrow and was being chased by children pinching his coal and Bev, Joanne and Graham were giving out as many hand bills as they could to lines of outstretched arms. 5.00 pm: The end of the carnival. But can we make it back to Quainton before they close? 5.40 pm: Approaching Quainton bridge, Chris and I give a blast on our horns. As we cross the bridge only Anthea on the roof rack can be seen from the site! The answering whistles from the engines in the down yard make us all feel it was well worth the hard work and time we spent on Anthea. Thank-you lads! 5.55 pm: Chased up the down yard (or was it down the up yard) by Anthea (the two legged one) for naming the loco after her! 6.00 pm: Eleven hours later and for seven tired members it was all over. Two thousand hand bills plus numerous "Railways in the Thames and Chilterns" leaflets had been handed out to the thousands lining the streets of Aylesbury. Well done all those who helped. Especially to Dave Potter for printing the hand bills and for helping to build Anthea. To Bev for all her hard work and for putting up with wood, cardboard, paint and dirt in her living room. Postscript, Tuesday 7th June, Quainton Carnival. Change posters to advertise August open days, and off we go again! |
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Page Updated: 12 November 2017