'It brings the community together' (From This Is Cheshire)

'It brings the community together'

12:23pm Monday 23rd June 2008

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A TRUE village tradition gave carnival-goers plenty to smile about in Davenham on Saturday.

Davenham Carnival made a welcome return this year and brightened up an otherwise dull and rainy day with a colourful procession, spectacular displays and a whole host of fun and games.

It may seem old fashioned and corny but it’s good fun

Alexandra Scott, crowned queen in 1996

The event, which was first held in the village 42 years ago, took a break last year after the death of committee member Andy Reynolds.

And, despite the rain and cold, crowds turned out in surprising numbers for this year's event, dedicated to Andy's memory.

Committee member Annelise Whalley said: "I was quite shocked at the turnout - I really thought people wouldn't come with the weather as it was."

The day began with a parade around the village to Butcher's Stile field where this year's carnival queen, 14-year-old Megan Hodgson, was crowned by deputy town mayor Clr Helen Burder.

Clr Burder said: "I come from a small town environment and as far as I'm concerned these events really bring the community together - I don't think you can beat it."

Alexandra Scott, crowned queen in 1996 and now 24, said: "It may seem old fashioned and corny but it's good fun - it's nice and traditional and keeps what a village is together."

Oxiris, Wirral School of Samba, and Ringheye Morris Troop, of Mobberley, kept crowds entertained in the main arena during the day with a variety of stalls and amusements on the field, although the giant bouncy slide and quad bikes were not available because of the weather.

The field was packed during the evening for a disco and music from acoustic duo The Kooie and Abba tribute act Abbasolutely.

Annelise said: "We do it for the community and for the kids and we had all ages during the day and at night - from a 12-week-old baby in a pram to a lady in her 70s or 80s.

"We literally brought all ages together."

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