by Wendy Mansfield
The Annual Wickhambrook Village Carnival and Flower Show took place on Saturday 13th July 2019. The weather was kind and the sun shone, though not as hot as last year. The proceedings started with a shortened parade through the village led by the band of the Bury St Edmunds Sea Cadets, the local fire engine and crew, followed by the Carnival Princess and her attendants in vintage cars. This year’s theme was “Space” in keeping with the celebrations of the 1969 Moon Landings and several young children had dressed up accordingly. The playing field was lined with all manner of stalls and the visitors were kept entertained in the central area by the band of the Sea Cadets and local Dance Group.
As usual it was down to the Women’s Institute to provide refreshments and the WI Hall was decked out with bunting and fresh flowers for the occasion. Members had baked the usual array of cakes and buns and were on hand to serve tea, coffee and squash to the multitudes. A steady stream of customers kept the ladies busy all afternoon and monies were raised for the WI funds.
As well as serving tea and cake the WI also ran a stall promoting The Women’s Institute. We are always on the lookout for new and particularly younger members so the stall was aimed at showing the many and varied activities that are run alongside the normal WI meetings. There are two walking groups, two reading groups as well as a newly founded craft group. There are also one-off events such as the Literary Lunch which this year welcomed Terry Waite as guest speaker. The Carnival seemed the ideal opportunity to attract new converts!