27 colourful years

This years Autumn Festival farewelled a special member of The Arrowtown Buckingham Belles –Carolyn Crum.

Carolyn has been the longest serving Belle since 1996, and this was her 27th Autumn Festival, still as vibrant, sassy and high kicking this year as she would have been back in her 20’s. With a farewell gathering of past and present Belles, crowds were entertained by all getting in to kick up there heels for Carolyn's last Can Can. Carolyn loves dancing. She comes from a very musical family, learning Highland Dancing and ballet as a little girl, at her primary school, St John’s Girls’ School in Invercargill. One of her other talents is singing, she has sung in choirs, taken part in theatre and musical theatre groups. As a Buckingham Belle, Carolyn has performed at countless events, both community events and special events. Some of her favourite highlights have been performing at the Arrowtown Gold 150th celebrations in 2012, getting to fly to Shanghai with the Queenstown and Southern Lakes Highland Pipe Band to attend the Shanghai Tourism Festival in 2018. As well as Performing with Celtic Sounds in Invercargill. Her favourite Belles events have always been the local community events here in Arrowtown. She recalls, with much love, the Community Concerts that were organised with local groups, the fun and laughter backstage. Working with the Fire Brigade to put on shows, swishing with the Miner’s Band, dancing for the Senior Citizens tea, collaborating with the Pipe Band, 'that’s been the best fun' Carolyn says.

Carolyn has enjoyed making lifelong friends with some amazing people along the way. She has been a wonderful support for the Belles group as a leader/teacher. So whilst she has decided to “hang up her skirt” and will be hugely missed, the current Belles hope that she will always be around to keep a keen eye on our Can Can, and will be their number one supporter. The Arrowtown Buckingham Belles are always looking for ladies!! Do you love to dance? Are you a team player? Do you enjoy dressing up and entertaining others? Are you 18 or over? Then please get in touch via our Facebook page or call 021 062 5747.