Chinewrde Carnival Collective Profiles: Veronica

The Chinewrde Marching Band, 2011

Having watched a fair few carnivals in Warwickshire over the years, I have supported this long held tradition. When I was young, I used to watch the Leamington Carnival and the Kenilworth Carnival – which was my Dad’s favourite. When the family moved to Southam, I took my children to see the local carnival and they participated a few times too over the years.

In 2009 my son and his girlfriend were in Kenilworth Carnival as The Travelling Carnivale, circa 1932, and I supported them by throwing coins and cheering them on from the crowd. The following year, they had formed the Chinewrde Carnival Collective and my daughter had joined them too. As the Zombie Carnival Queens, I again cheered them on and supported from the crowd.

I was asked if I would like to be in part of the Chinewrde Marching Band in 2011, and I am happy to say that I agreed. So that year I formally joined the Chinewrde Carnival Collective, went to the meetings and rehearsals and became Freda the Flagbearer! With an improvised flag I bore the badge of the Chinewrde Marching Band at the end of a broom - and the streets of Kenilworth never sounded so clean!

Currently I am searching for my costume for this year, and we are rehearsing like mad with only four weeks to go! I really enjoy the meetings, and the social aspect of spending time with family and friends, but mostly I enjoy supporting my family and having fun on the day.