as Pelsall Carnival was formed in 1972, as a sub committee of the then Pelsall & District Chamber of Trade.
The original members forming that initial committee were Mr Ray Swain, Mr Ray Gilbert, Mr Maurice Smith and Arthur Evans.
The first Carnival Queen was Dianne Sumner.
The Carnival has had several long serving members over the years notably the late Mr Dudley Seddon, who chaired the committee for many years, Lillian Brown, who's long serving role as secretary through the latter part of the 70's 80's and into the Mid 90's, has set a foundation for what is has now become. The late Mr Ray Swain acted as treasurer both for the Chamber of trade and the carnival into the 90's when his son Steve took on the role, Ray was made honorary president until his death. Steve Swain has been involved with the Carnival since its inception in 1972, joining as a committee member in 1974 to present, he is currently Vice Chair. Ian Rhydderch joined the committee in the Mid 70's, representing the Ryders Hayes Residents Association, and is the current Secretary. Sim Mayou worked for many years with the carnival committee as did Ivan Smith.
In the early years, the committee was comprised of members of the chamber of trade, and representatives from the local clubs and societies, each helping build the show as we now know it.
In the 70's the carnival was a weeks event, starting on the Sunday before with a children's pet show, there was tug o war, both on the common and over the canal by Pelsall Junction, Comic football, Crib, dominoes and darts Competitions, the event rotating around the Labour Club, Social and Cricket clubs... Oh and always a favourite, the Fancy dress pub crawl.... always a few head aches after that one! Disco's at the youth centre, Dances at the Community centre, and Barn dancing in the marquee on the common. On Carnival day we have had Beacon Radio with their road show, Army helicopters on the common, and a full division from the army with their light armour and weaponry with the 16th/5th Queens Royal lancers. Sky Divers, Model Aircraft, Dog displays and the sealed knot with cannon and battles. oh, and we mustn't forget our longest standing display partners, from the Oliver Hines Boys club, Nottingham.. The Dako flying angels, Dudley first introduced them in the mid 70's, and they still join us to this day. Lets hope that the tradition continues for many years to come, all we need to make it happen is fresh blood...new volunteers. if you can spare a couple of hours a month, and would like to get more involved please get in touch. We meet on Monday evenings at Pelsall Community Centre.
The original members forming that initial committee were Mr Ray Swain, Mr Ray Gilbert, Mr Maurice Smith and Arthur Evans.
The first Carnival Queen was Dianne Sumner.
The Carnival has had several long serving members over the years notably the late Mr Dudley Seddon, who chaired the committee for many years, Lillian Brown, who's long serving role as secretary through the latter part of the 70's 80's and into the Mid 90's, has set a foundation for what is has now become. The late Mr Ray Swain acted as treasurer both for the Chamber of trade and the carnival into the 90's when his son Steve took on the role, Ray was made honorary president until his death. Steve Swain has been involved with the Carnival since its inception in 1972, joining as a committee member in 1974 to present, he is currently Vice Chair. Ian Rhydderch joined the committee in the Mid 70's, representing the Ryders Hayes Residents Association, and is the current Secretary. Sim Mayou worked for many years with the carnival committee as did Ivan Smith.
In the early years, the committee was comprised of members of the chamber of trade, and representatives from the local clubs and societies, each helping build the show as we now know it.
In the 70's the carnival was a weeks event, starting on the Sunday before with a children's pet show, there was tug o war, both on the common and over the canal by Pelsall Junction, Comic football, Crib, dominoes and darts Competitions, the event rotating around the Labour Club, Social and Cricket clubs... Oh and always a favourite, the Fancy dress pub crawl.... always a few head aches after that one! Disco's at the youth centre, Dances at the Community centre, and Barn dancing in the marquee on the common. On Carnival day we have had Beacon Radio with their road show, Army helicopters on the common, and a full division from the army with their light armour and weaponry with the 16th/5th Queens Royal lancers. Sky Divers, Model Aircraft, Dog displays and the sealed knot with cannon and battles. oh, and we mustn't forget our longest standing display partners, from the Oliver Hines Boys club, Nottingham.. The Dako flying angels, Dudley first introduced them in the mid 70's, and they still join us to this day. Lets hope that the tradition continues for many years to come, all we need to make it happen is fresh blood...new volunteers. if you can spare a couple of hours a month, and would like to get more involved please get in touch. We meet on Monday evenings at Pelsall Community Centre.