VILLAGERS in Herbrandston made the best of the bad weather on Saturday (August 2), to enjoy a day of carnival fun.

The main annual fundraising event for St Mary’s Church, the carnival is a perennial favourite with locals old and young, and draws in visitors from around the county.

Sylvia Davey, one of the organisers, said the weather was less than ideal, but she was delighted with the turn-out.

“The carnival entries were fabulous, there were some excellent entries,” she said.

As well as fun and games for the children, there were stalls selling bottles, cakes, produce, ice-cream, toiletries, mugs and books, a toy tombola, a lucky dip and semi-permanent tattoos.

Tea was also served by ladies from the village.

Sylvia added that organisers were “very grateful to the boys” for putting up the flags, cutting the grass, and helping set up the gazebos.

“It’s not really about making money, it’s about getting the community all together,” said one of the organisers, Josie Owens.

“This is the one time of the year we all get together and it’s marvellous.”

Carnival organisers have been working since May to put together a fantastic package of raffle prizes, and Josie thanked local businesses for their contributions, including South Hook LNG, which donated an iPod Touch.

Other top prizes included tickets to the Dinosaur Park, Heatherton, Folly Farm, meat vouchers, and cakes.

“Everyone in the county is so generous, we’ve had wonderful support,” said Josie.

RESULTS:

Individual under 8: 1st ‘Herbie Hula Hula girl’ Imogen Hicks, 2nd ‘Beefeater’ Harry Mortimer.

Individual between 8 and 16: 1st Seb Hoggins as an Oompa Loompa.

Group under 8: 1st Three Little Pigs, 2nd Romans.

Group aged between 8 and 16: 1st Flower Fairies.

Mixed group: 1st Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, 2nd Tank Patrol.