2012 Clacton Carnival Queen Emma Rayment
Hello
everyone!!
And welcome to the Clacton Carnival Website
My name is Emma Rayment, I’m 18 years old and will be representing Clacton this
year as your Queen! I am currently studying a National Diploma in music at
Clacton Coastal Academy Sixth form. After sixth form I hope to go to university
and get my degree in music so I am able to become a music teacher.
When not at sixth form you would normally find me singing my heart out in
my room, singing has been a big part of my life for many years and would love to
perform on stage in the future. If I am not singing you would find me at
Sainsbury’s which is where I work. Even though I haven’t worked there for very
long all the staff and customers are lovely and I enjoy working there. Enough
about me, time to talk about my two gorgeous princesses for 2012 who are
Kerry-Alice and Zoe. After meeting them on Friday when we were chosen and then
the following day when having our photographs done at the beach I can truly say
they are really lovely and I am looking forward to getting to know them
throughout the year. I think it is safe to say myself and my two princesses are
looking forward to all the carnivals in the summer and of course Clacton
carnival week (which fingers cross we have lovely weather this year!)
That’s all for now but I hope you all
come out and support Clacton Carnival and help raise money for some very good
causes. I will keep you updated with all the events throughout the year myself,
Kerry-Alice and Zoe attend.
Emma
x
Witham Selection night
This
was our first official event since being crowned Clacton Carnival Queen and
Princesses 2012 and the nerves were starting to kick in. The selection night
took place at The Maltings Academy on April 28th for the selection of
the new Witham Carnival Court 2012. Because we had never been to an event like
this before me, Kerry-Alice and Zoe didn’t know what to expect. Our chaperone
Debbie and Jenine picked us up one by one and on the way we discussed what will
happen during the night and we found out there was a competition that we could
enter. For this competion would have to present ourselves to the judges and also
do a curtsey. Me and the girls all looked at each other is worry because we had
never done this before, but we decided we had nothing to lose and that we would
enter. As we arrived at the Academy we did a run through how we would curtsey to
the judges and present ourselves, we then realised that it weren’t too hard.
We were greeted by the 2011 carnival princesses but unfortunlly the Queen
wasn’t present and they showed us to our table and we got ourselves settled and
ready for a photo opportunity. As more courts started to arrive we began to go
introduce ourselves starting with Southend, Enfield, Burnham on crouch and
Basildon. There were many contestants that had entered for queen and princesses
and when they began to introduce themselves I had already decided who will be
chosen. After busting a few moves on the dance floor with the girls and other
carnival courts it came to the competition it that we decided to enter and as we
stepped outside they were putting us in alphabetical order and we were near the
front. Majority of the courts that were there had done this before, so they had
experience but they were giving us a few tips what to do which was really nice
of them as they didn’t have to. It came to Clacton go next and myself and my
princesses were really nervous but as we stood in the middle of the room and
introduced ourselves it wasn’t too bad, we gave big smiles to the judges and we
were all happy how it went. As it came to the time of announcing the winners of
the compition, unfortunately we didn’t win anything but it was a great
experience to learn from and we congratulate the other courts that had won a
prize. It was a big moment for Witham’s court to be announced and to my shock it
was the three girls that I had chosen in the beginning.
They
all had big smiles on their faces and were really happy. Congratulations to
Queen Darcie and Princesses Mia and Lauren. Myself, Kerry-Alice and Zoe all had
a lovely night out and it was great to meet all the new courts and looking
forward to getting to know them throughout the year.
Poster Compition 13th
June 2012
As
Clacton Carnival is getting nearer events start to take place and the poster
compition was one that was taking place. This was our first we got to wear our
dresses, with our flowers, bag and also our crown. On the way there we were
given the idea what would be happening and what our role would be during the
presentation. When we arrived at St James Church hall, we were greeted by
committee members including Laura Durrant who is the organiser of the event and
also the Chairmen Paul Townend. We were asked to greet all winners and parents
at the door and hand out carnival leaflets about events during carnival week.
Once winners have all arrived we were asked to hand out the certificates and
rosettes to the winners and there were quite a few of them. Each time a winner
came up the chairmen got them to point at which poster they had designed. After
each contestant had been rewarded with their prizes we then had a big poster
with all the winners and also the chairmen in front of all the poster for the
newspaper and also for parents to take. We also had some individual pictures
done with some of the winners and their posters. The posters that we got to see
were really bright and colourful and were based round all different events that
are happening during carnival week.
Myself and my princesses would like to congratulate all the winners that night
and all the entrants as they all did a fantastic job and that they should be
proud of themselves. Well Done!! Also a thank you to Laura who organised the
event and to the judges, who had the hard task of judging all these wonderful
posters, must have been a hard job to choose all those winners. All we have to
do now is wait and see which poster gets picked to be the front page for the
carnival newspaper.
Brightlingsea Carnival 16th
June 2012
So
it’s the morning of our first carnival and I’m up bright and early ready for a
fun day out with my princesses. On arrival, we were greeted by Brightlingsea’s
Carnival court who told us about the plan of the day and how there have been as
few changes as well. Myself and brightlinsea’s queen spoke about how the weather
was holding off for them and how they are excited for their carnival. Even
though it wasn’t raining it was so windy and a bit cold. Before going over to
our float we sat in the car keeping ourselves warm before judging and it was the
perfect moment to give Kerry-Alice and Zoe their presents. I had got them some
jewellery made which I had one made similar to them to wear with their dresses.
They were really happy with them and were so thankful for the present. It made
me really happy that they liked them and also wearing them as well.
So
it was time for judging, nerves started to kick in but we still smiled and
stayed calm. A few of the judges came over to us and we chatted about how the
weather, our dresses and also about our carnival. They were so polite and
commented on how beautiful we all looked. But unfortunately we hadn’t won
anything, which was a shame but congratulations to the others courts that did.
By this time all our families were starting to turn up and was a perfect
time for a photo opportunity. This was the hardest thing to do with the wind,
all of us girls were having with our hair it was going all over the place but we
managed to get a few perfect ones. Now it’s time to move off for the
processions, as we set all it was big waves to the members of the community that
had turned up and even a few people curtsied at us. Made me smiled and laugh,
they were so sweet. Once we had made it back to the carnival field we were taken
to the arena so that all the courts were together to be introduced to the
audience that were awaiting our arrival. We then went onto the Brightlingsea
Bowls Club and had our Queens Tea which was delicious and we were able to chat
away with all the courts that attended, also to catch up with some friends that
we had made at Witham Selection Night. The brightlingsea Queen made a lovely
speech about the day and thanked everyone who attended and each court that was
there one by one thanked Brighlingsea court for inviting us. We then said our
goodbyes to everyone and made our way around the fete with our chaperons to see
what they had on offer. We even got to see an owl that was in harry potter I was
so happy, we were offered to have pictures but as we were in our dresses it
wasn’t a good idea and then we made our way back to the car for our journey
home.
A
big thank you to Debbie and Kerry who were our chaperones for the day and also
to Debbie and Jenine who set up the float and toed us in the carnival
procession. Also a thank you to mine, Kerry-Alice’s and Zoe’s family who came
and supported us today. We had such a lovely day and are looking forward to
Great Bentley carnival on the 30th June 2012.
Great
Bentley Carnival- 30th June 2012
It was
the morning of our 2nd carnival and the weather was beautiful outside
and I knew it was going to be a lovely day. As Nicky and Debbie picked us up, me
and my two princesses had a gossip on our way to Great Bentley as we hadn’t seen
each other for a while. And by the time we had finished chatting we had got
there. As we arrived we were greeted by Brightlingsea court and caught up with
them and by this time other courts started to arrive and we had formed a big
circle of girls gossiping away. We then were greeted by Great Bentley court and
they discussed with us how the day was going to work and what there will be
after the procession and the Queens tea.
As
time went by it was time for judging so me and the girls went over to the float
and prepared ourselves. Even thought we knew what to expect from our first
carnival we were still nervous but we had big smiles and presented ourselves to
the judges. Unfortunately we didn’t win anything but we were just happy we were
having such beautiful weather. It was time for the procession to start as all
the carnival court floats lined up, music was playing and the sound of the
public was being heard i was excited.
The procession was paraded throughout the town and we were brought up to
the arena at the end so that we could be
presented and then meet with all the other courts and also to find out who had
won prizes for floats, majorettes and bands. Once all awards had been handed out
we were allowed to go and have a look round the fete and then meet back for
Queens’s tea. Me and the princesses were a bit peckish and we found the cake
stall so we went and sat down and had a cupcake each. They were amazing! I had
to have the chocolate one! Once we had looked round it was time for the tea and
we sat down with all the courts and enjoyed the gossip and a lovely spread. We
were really lucky to have such beautiful weather and we all had such a lovely
time and a big thank you to Debbie and Nicky for looking after us that day.
Holland Haven summer fete- 7th
July 2012
So it was the morning of Holland havens summer fete and I was quite nervous
about the day as I didn’t know what to expect and neither did Kerry-Alice and
Zoe. The sun was shining and it started to get hot before we had arrived. As we
all got picked up one by one we had arrived and we told what would be happening
and how we were going to be involved. I was told I would have to open up the
fete with a small speech by the gates. By this time I was nervous!! As we
wondered round and looked at the stalls and we found some lovely bracelets which
had been handmade. As got closer to opening time we had a few pictures done for
the school and also by our chaperones, it was now time to open up. I was handed
over a microphone and everyone was looking at me. I started to go red. But I
announced that the fete was open and to help raise money for the school.
I was pleased for the school as they had lovely weather and hope they
raised a lot of money and a big thank you for inviting us. We had a lovely day.
Witham Carnival-14th
July 2012
So as
i looked out my window the heavens had opened and it was pouring down, I felt so
bad for the Witham court as it their first event for 2012 court. But as Debbie
and Paul picked us up we were still determined to go and support them. As we
arrived at the football club we went and sat inside so we were all dry and
joined Burnham-on-crouch court and had lunch. By the time we had finished eating
all the courts had started to arrive so we were all catching up since we last
saw each other. There were some new faces that we had never met before such as
Hornsey, Tiptree, Great Dunmow, Mersea Island and Enfield but they were so
welcoming and lovely. Because of the awful weather the judging took place in the
hall and the judges came to each court one by one and spoke to us. The mayor was
lovely he spoke about when he used to come to Clacton and asked about our
charities and how we have a whole week of carnival events unlike others. It then
came to the announcement of who won Queen of Queens it was Basildon and Pitsea
court, it was a shame I didn’t win but well done to their queen.
It was
now time for the procession and it had stop raining and they started to line us
up. And as we moved off the rain started to appear again so it was umbrellas up
for us girls to keep us dry. It wasn’t till we got into the town there were more
people and they were so friendly they gave us big smiles and loads of waves.
Especially all the children even a few adults. We got to the end and we met up
with all the courts and with a marching band in front of us they walked us
through to the arena and called us in one by one. Where they announced the
winners for marching band and majorettes. Then which we stood to do the national
anthem which was something new to me.
We then had to walk to the Town hall for queens tea which we all joined
in together to wish the Witham carnival princess Mia happy birthday which was so
sweet. After tea each court done a small speech to say thank you and even though
the weather wasn’t as good we had a lovely day.
It was then time for Myself, Kerry-Alice and Zoe to make our way home, so
we tried to get to every court to say goodbye and each of them had said that we
would see them at our carnival on the 18th august which we were happy
about and we then went up to Witham’s court to wish them luck for the year and
thank them for a lovely day. A big thank you to Paul and Debbie for being our
chaperones for the day and also to Debbie Davey and Jenine for bringing the
float and toeing us despite the weather.
Clacton Carnival Week
13th-19th august 2012
Monday 13th August 2012 Donkey Derby
Tuesday 14th August
So tonight’s
the new event down at the Pavilion bowl for our bowling tournament, I was really
excited for this event as it new carnival week and we didn’t know what was in
store for us. As we arrived down at the pavilion bowl we had the perfect
opportunity to take a few photos before everyone turned up. Unfortunately
tonight we wouldn’t be bowling but we will still be watching all the teams bowl
and decide which team we will cheer on. This was quite hard as there were 2
carnival committee teams so we had cheer both of them on. We luckily enough were
having a lovely meal in the new Armstrong restaurant with our chaperone Debbie.
After we all had enjoyed our lovely meal it was time for desert it didn’t take
us that long to decide on what we wanted it was defiantly double chocolate
brownie with ice cream and chocolate sauce. Mmmmmm……. Delicious might I add!!
After our lovely meal it was time to announce the raffle and also announce the
winners and the runner ups. The runner ups were presented with silver medals and
the then it was time to announce the winner for first, they were presented with
a gold medal each and I also presented them with a shield as well. This then
gave us an opportunity to take photos with all the winners. Well done to
everyone who took part for the first ever Clacton Carnival Tenpin bowling
tournament.
A big thank you to
Pavilion Bowl for the sponsor of the event and also to the committee who helped
to make tonight a lot of fun. See you all at the sand castle competition, egg
throw and beer dig!
We were so lucky for tonight’s
events, it had rained at least an hour before it had to start I was worrying
they may have to cancel because of the weather. But it blew over, thank god!
These events are always full of laughter and are for any age to join in. It was
a bit chilly, but we didn’t mind that! We started selling raffle tickets to the
public who had turned up while they were all getting ready to take part in the
egg throw. By this time the first race had begun and the way people caught them
had people in stitches. Me and Zoe looked at each other and thought let’s do
this, we can beat them. Well wasn’t that a shocker as I threw the egg to Zoe it
just broke in her hands, I couldn’t help myself and I just had to laugh. I then
had another go with Kerry-Alice and that ended badly as well, I think everyone
was in shock that we couldn’t catch. But it was great fun. There was a good few
rounds of the egg throwing and it then came to the final and two men had won the
prize. They both did so well and looked like they had a lot of fun. As the
committee started to prepare the tokens by placing them in the sand, the public
started to lining up to around ready to start. And they were off; everyone was
determined to find a token. They all liked they were enjoying themselves! The
special prize was found by a young girl and she was so happy. Well done tonight
to everyone who took part and well done to all the committee once again it was a
successful night. See you all at the fete and fireworks.
Friday 17th
August Fancy dress
As Clacton
street procession is only 24 hours away this was a great time to get an insight
to what everyone ideas were for the theme for this year’s Clacton Carnival
street procession which is Going for Gold. We were quite lucky that this was a
late start for us as we did have a late night at the fete and fireworks. I was
particularly excited to see all the children and their costumes. We were all
picked up one by one and were taken to St James Hall and were greeted by Brenda
the organizer and the committee member, which then Brenda explained to us what
our role would be today. We were then introduced to the judges and got the
chance to have a chat about carnival week so far and also about the big
procession tomorrow. By this time entries had started to arrive and wow they
were amazing. So many different ideas and a lot of them were sticking to the
theme!
Each age group was called out under
5, 5 to 7 and 8-11, also there were categories for theme and pairs.
This was going to be a hard task for the judges as they were all so good.
We were asked to parade all the children around to show everyone their costume
and also give some time for the judges to decide. In the pairs categories there
was two super babies and they had came as pebbles and bam bam, I could of taken
them home they were that cute. I was so glad we didn’t have to do the judging.
After each category myself and the princesses were required to sell some raffle
tickets for a small raffle before they announce the winners. While the judges
were making their final decision and the committee members were sorting out the
rosettes and gift we had a guest surprise it was Elvis. All the children were
having fun and a little dance off as well. It was time to announce the winners,
each category had a 1st, 2nd, 3rd and
commended. They had received a voucher for rascals play centre and a medal. It
was great to see all the lovely costumes and the children so happy.
Myself and the princesses even got an edible biscuit medal as well. It
was lovely!!!
Friday 17th
August
Quiz Night
Normally this would be the last
night for Carnival week but this year it was different, as me and the girls got
picked up we spoke about how excited we were for tomorrow big carnival street
procession. We couldn’t wait to look all glamorous and see all the funky floats,
bands and visiting queens. This would be last night we would sell raffle tickets
and I was happy about that! Hahaha!! :D As we made it around the tables the
names they all had chosen were fantastic, but I couldn’t help but love my
family’s one. The Queens Mother how ironic! But it was defiantly a good one I
must say! It was time to start the first round and the quiz master had come up
with some really good questions! After each round myself, Zoe, Kerry-Alice and
the help of my lovely brother Jamie had to go collect the answer sheets and any
jokers that the teams wanted to enter. Between each round me and girls found the
time to munch loads of sweets and nibbles, which we did manage to demolish by
the finish. It came to an interval and we carried on finishing selling raffle
tickets hoping we can make some more money to go towards the charities we have
chosen this year! It came to the time were all the rounds had finished and the
winners were being announce. Each winner received a prize each and of course a
picture with the carnival queen and her princesses. But the most shocking moment
of the night my family had won the booby prize. I was in so much laughter and as
my brother came down to collect their prize all I could hear was my family
cheering. It was so embarrassing and they didn’t even share the jaffer cakes
either
L
The chairmen Paul came up and said a few words about how tonight has gone
really well and how much we raised. And also mentioned Adrian’s amazing talent
and I presented him with his gift from us. Then Paul presented me, Zoe and
Kerry-Alice with a cheque each for being this year’s Clacton Carnival Court! It
was now time for us to go home and have some beauty sleep for tomorrow’s big
event. See you all tomorrow!!!
Saturday
18th August
As we
started off the procession, everyone was giving us big smiles and children were
waving. And this made it so much more exciting to see the reaction. As we headed
towards the moon and starfish, I became more nervous it was so busy but it
wasn’t as bad I thought but we managed to get past there in one bit! It was the
end of the procession for me and my princesses and even though I was still in
excitement I was in shock knowing that this year carnival had come to an end for
us.
Once arrived at St Paul’s
church for queen’s tea we awaited all the visiting courts and then it was time
for my speech. I spoke about how this year has been amazing and that I’ve met
some amazing people, the laughter I’ve had with my princesses and thank you to
Debbie, Nicky and all the committee for their hard work this year. Also thanking
the Inner wheel ladies for the lovely tea and gifts. Today has truly been an
amazing day and I’ve had such a wonderful time being queen! I can’t believe how
quick time has gone. Thank you to everyone for their support this and thank you
to my princesses for such a fantastic year. Bring on Walton Carnival!!
Saturday 25th
August
Walton-On-The-Naze Carnival
waving to the public as Clacton Carnival Queen. But we were going to make this
an unforgettable day and we did! As we arrived the weather was holding off and
we got some time to eat our lunch. But as soon as we sat on our float the
heavens opened. I was so dishearten as I thought because how bad the weather was
we might be going home. But no we were going to carry on! As the rains stopped
we were able to take a few photos but it didn’t stop for long. The rain was so
bad the umbrellas weren’t protecting us. But our driver Debbie had such a
fantastic idea; we used the cover for the float to keep us dry. So as we sat on
the float for the cover on us, we had some laughter and even some funny photo.
This was defiantly going to be a carnival to remember. I thought we should won a
prize for being so dedicated!
Finally the rain had stopped and they began to do the judging. The Walton
Carnival Queen Sarah came over and spoke to me and the girls about our year as
queen and then went around and spoke to the other carnival courts. And then it
was time for them to announce the winners. I came 3rd for Queen of
Queens. Yayyyyy!!!!! I was so happy with this! This was the first time we had
won a p
rize and we were lucky it was
at our last carnival of the year. As the procession moved off the sky brightened
up and the crowds started to appear. It was a lovely procession and we enjoyed
it so much. At the queen’s tea, Sarah did a lovely speech and presented gifts
out to the committee, which then we sang happy birthday to her as it was her
birthday the following week after. Each carnival Queen was present with flowers
that were on our table with a stick of rock. Today has truly been one of the
most memorable carnivals we have been throughout the year. We have had so much
laughter today with everyone and it was good to see all the carnival courts
before they all finish their reign.
Saturday 9th February 2013
60
Years of Carnival Dinner and Dance
This
is a very special event for Clacton carnival and I was honoured to be part of it
with my princesses Zoe and Kerry-Alice. Clacton carnival held a dinner and dance
event to celebrate 60 years of carnival with friends, committee members and ex
committee. The evening started off with talking to old friends, charities that
have been involved in the past years and of course the carnival court.
As
we sat down which on our table we had the Chairman so it was best behaviour for
us girls. We all talked about the past year and how much fun we had during our
reign and how I don’t want to give my crown up next month. Our starters had
arrived and I had chosen the soup. Wasn’t a good idea really for me seeing as
I’m wearing a white dress but I managed to not spill it on me! Thank god
otherwise I might have been in trouble. Then our main meal came out, I had the
roast beef, with loads of gravy and don’t forget the carrots. Which I did eat
all of them! And as Paul our chairman said “We will defiantly not lose you
later” Well now it was time for deserts me and the girls looked at each other
and tried to decide what we wanted! But it was such a hard task for us. Me and
Kerry-Alice went for the lemon meringue and Zoe had Ice-cream. They were
delicious and would like to thank the chef for our lovely meal.
After a short break it was time for the speeches. Alan Wiggins was first up and
spoke about all the different events that have happened throughout the years at
carnival. Some new and some old. And how they were great memories. He spoke
about how the carnival court use to be much bigger than what it is now and how
it’s all changed.
It was clear that
everyone in the room had great memories of Clacton carnival and they would live
on for years! Mine defiantly will as I’ve shared it with two great girls. We
then had Sharon Alexander talk about her memories and how she’s been involved
with carnival for many years. And it was great to see how carnival has
modernised throughout the years from what she was saying. All of the great
memories everyone spoke about was amazing. And like they carnival is like one
big family and it really is!
Once all the speeches were over we had a disco and everyone got involved. I even
managed to get the princesses to dance for a bit. I even saw a few committee
members to gangman style and that really made my night. It was time for us all to
leave and we all said our goodbyes. This was a really lovely night and I was so
proud to be part of it. I enjoyed everyone talking about the past 60 years and
how committee members come and go, events changing, the charities involved and
all the money they have raised over these years.
Here’s to another 10 years!