Welcome to the 2013 Bishop’s Waltham Carnival and Village Show It seems incredible that the Rotary Club has been organising the carnival for 21 years, having taken over from the old Bishop’s Waltham Carnival Committee in 1992. I was looking at an old 1988 Carnival magazine and noticed that several of the businesses advertising then are still here in the village today. Not really that surprising as Bishop’s Waltham thrives and retains as well as attracting more businesses to the town. Even in the present uncertain economic climate, Bishop’s Waltham appears to buck the trend and continues to prosper. The Carnival and Show has now firmly established itself at the Hoe Road Sports Ground with enough space to accommodate up to 100 stall holders. This year we have the popular Batala Band leading the procession so expect plenty of noise along the way! The theme for this year is ‘Kids, Clowns and Cartoons’, so plenty of scope for groups to enter a float or walking tableaux. In the showground, there will be arena events and also children’s entertainment and fairground rides. We also hope to have up to 100 classic cars on display (depending on the weather)! The carnival generally raises in excess of £10,000 for the Rotary Charity Fund and it is our practise to distribute these funds to local worthy causes. In the past year, the club has donated to the following: Swanmore Young Carers; BW Guides; Lively lady project; Gateway Club; Monday and Thursday Lunch Clubs; Friends in Retirement; Waltham Wolves; Canine Partners; Meon Valley Carers; Rainbow Centre; Orchid Cancer Charity; St John’s Eye Hospital. Internationally, we support: Friends of Teso; Water Aid; Philippines Flood Relief Appeal and Shelter Boxes. We thank Malcolm Wearn and his team for organising the carnival but also the residents and businesses of Bishop’s Waltham for their continued support and generosity, without whom, we at the club would not be able to positively contribute to the local causes. Enjoy the Carnival Parade and Show, tell your friends and family and have a great, safe day out.
Pete Clarke President of the Bishop’s Waltham Rotary Club 2