Originally Posted by Restless (Post 1062919)

Less- You and Mick should've done a Accyweb Float :D

Originally Posted by ossy kid (Post 1062984)

You're right of course, they aren't the same but don,t blame the economy, it doesn't cost anything to volunteer. It's a matter of people not being willing to donate their time, to get involved, organize. WE all have other priorities, pity.

Originally Posted by accyman (Post 1062937)

sadly because of health and safety which is all europes doing things like police dog displays are probbably no longer allowed incase a dog farts in someones direction

schools used to help out on the railway lines in wales but because some of teh towns are a certain height above sea level there has to be a mountain rescue team on standby at all times while children worked although right along side them people were living normal lives and shopping just as we would in our town without a mountain rescue team.Europe says it must be so snd now children cant work on work exerience on the mini railway lines which rely heavily on voulenteers and such to survive

anyway back to the carnival with all these health and safety regulations which are over the top usually and buisnesses driven out by a council that wont play fair it dosnt leave much to make a go with

i know a few people who went to the actual event and teh kids seemed happy enough

just be thankfull there wasnt a float full of smackheads and needles

Originally Posted by accyman (Post 1063049)

the next procession through town will be when someone gets a parking ticket on blackburn road :);)

Originally Posted by cashman (Post 1063052)

Hard to believe but seen one getting a ticket on Whalley rd sat morn.:eek:

Originally Posted by ffberryb77 (Post 1063163)

Hello. This year's Carnival VERY NEARLY didn't happen at all. Normally organised by 20 Accrington Lions over two years, this one was organised by five people in six months. The single greatest obstacle was apathy.

It is ironic that this be brought up here as many months ago, I tried (and failed) to generate interest on this very forum.

I would like to echo those that suggest it's a matter for the children to decide - the kids of Sacred Heart that put their all into making a lion king float, the dancers of mount Carmel and so on.

I asked my own kids if they enjoyed it, which they did, which I consider job done.

We know there is much to improve on, so please tell us, or better still, help us next time.

We had more floats than last time, more visitors than last time and we made the national press.

Organising this nearly broke me, and on three occasions it was in severe jeopardy. We welcome ALL constructive feedback. Thankfully, the negativity seems confined to people who didn't come (yet still feel they should comment).

I promise, 2015 will be bigger and better. For now, I am going to rest. :)

Originally Posted by Gayle (Post 1063177)

Next time we'll be in it to win it, lol.

Originally Posted by Margaret Pilkington (Post 1063242)

Lovely pics and I would say to you....Very Well Done, for making a good job in very difficult circumstances....and more power to your elbow for the next one.

And if you can't get the MP to go in the cage, then maybe you could get a very vociferous conservative councillor(who has ideas above his station, and need not be named) to stand in.
I would come and chuck rotten tomatoes at him. :D

Originally Posted by ffberryb77 (Post 1063231)

Actually, no, I have read your posts Guinness and to be honest, they are insulting.

How on earth can you expect people to get involved and make the carnival a spectacle to remember if all you can do is belittle the efforts of those who have tried?

I am sorry the floats weren't up to your standard - but they were better than anything you put into the procession, which appears to have been nothing. I really hope you at least found it in your heart to donate to the collections for local causes, because if not, you have no right whatsoever to pass judgement - especially where your sweeping generalisations are downright incorrect:

"the fire service most definitely don't have a spare engine they can send along" : really???

"it looked pretty pitiful" "it was rag tag" - congratulations, you just put down a good 400 people (mainly children) who did their best - some of whom have already told me they are very insulted by your words:


"we don't have the industry to provide the volunteers" - here's one of our 14 volunteers helping us on the day:


We overcame a lot of obstacles to keep this event going - this very site blocked attempts to promote this years event (ironically enough, because we didn't follow the rules).

It is very easy to sit behind a computer and criticise anonymously, but I felt the need to defend the many people you have angered and disparaged. Constructively criticise the way the event was organised, by all means, but don't dare to criticise the few people in the area that did put some effort in.

You are, of course, welcome to attend any of our committee meetings in the future to discuss your feelings further.

Dave Berry
Carnival Organiser

Originally Posted by Guinness (Post 1062910)

I remember the days when there would be 20 or 30 brightly decorated wagons, pack after pack of cubs, brownies and guides, 2 or 3 JCB's for chucking your spare change into, followed by people picking up coins that had been missed. Displays by the army parachute (red devils?) team, fire engines, police dog displays, loads of stalls with games like hoopla and darts etc..etc..etc.

No doubt some very hard work has gone into this, but in the end it looked pretty pitiful. Is this something that should be consigned to history or am I remembering through rose tinted glasses and it was never very good?

Originally Posted by Margaret Pilkington (Post 1063284)

Guinness, I am intrigued. How did you get into the 'clique'?

Did you have to stand with your left trouser leg rolled up and your other foot plonked in a bucket of lukewarm tripe......did you have to promise to buy all the other members of the clique a pint of their favourite tipple...or was it something more saucy?

Please do tell. I have been here a long time and I haven't found my way into the clique yet...maybe I'm not trying enough :D

Originally Posted by Less (Post 1063267)

Your opinion, reading too much into the in's and out's of AccyWeb as usual!
I bet Guinness is pleased, promotion at last, welcome to the clique!

Originally Posted by cashman (Post 1063288)

Just another know it all, that knows nowt, in my view.:rolleyes: That probably makes me one of the usual suspects?:D

Originally Posted by Less (Post 1063289)

Now that's a bit harsh!
Certainly not the way to welcome Guinness into the inner sanctum!

Originally Posted by Less (Post 1063287)

When he divulges the secret can you let the rest of us know?

So we can join?

Originally Posted by Margaret Pilkington (Post 1063309)

I have decided I don't want to join anyway.......I'd rather be a monkey than a sheep.;)

Originally Posted by Less (Post 1063267)

Your opinion, reading too much into the in's and out's of AccyWeb as usual!
I bet Guinness is pleased, promotion at last, welcome to the clique!

Originally Posted by MargaretR (Post 1063312)

I can recommend the role of 'innocent bystander'

Originally Posted by jaysay (Post 1063323)

Innocent and bystander is somewhat an oxymoron in your case Margaret:rolleyes::rolleyes::D

Originally Posted by MargaretR (Post 1063334)

Who is the moron on oxygen?:D

Originally Posted by ffberryb77 (Post 1063190)

Lol! Well, didn't mean you specifically - I assumed you were playing devils advocate...

The only question I would ask is having seen the procession, did you miss the fire engine at the back?!

We are also looking for fresh ideas for 2015 - we already have a few!

Originally Posted by Less (Post 1063247)

nothing insulting

Originally Posted by Less (Post 1063247)

he is a regular poster not someone sitting anonymously behind his computer, the result of the thread is I think positive, most people seemed to enjoy it.


Not only is he free to criticise onsite, I again think you are being oversensitive, without feedback you wouldn't know what he or anyone else thought of the efforts put in

Originally Posted by Less (Post 1063247)

Isn't that a criticism? if it's going to be bigger and better then obviously you weren't satisfied with it as it was? Had it been perfect you may have said 'make 2015 just as good'.

I hope after the event in 2015 you come back on and thank him for giving you the determination to improve.
:alright:

Originally Posted by ffberryb77 (Post 1063358)

First of all, the important stuff - flashy (and anyone else interested) loads of pictures submitted by attendees can be found on our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/accringtoncarnival

Second, the less important stuff.



"it looked pretty pitiful" is an insult - this is presented as fact, rather than opinion.




Everybody is free to criticise, but it should be backed up with reasoning. All I have seen on here is "it was pitiful", "it was rag-tag" and "wasn't it better in my day". I can tell you exactly what will destroy the carnival (and ultimately the town itself). It isn't health and safety gone mad, and it isn't even poundshops. It's attitude, pure and simple. Try taking of the cynical glasses and be constructive rather than destructive. We have had lots and lots of feedback (good and bad), but as long as its constructive (which nothing either you or guinness have said is) then that is fine. Stop telling us we should be better and start telling us how we can be better.




I think you are very confused if you think I am "obviously" not satisfied. Again the words used present the information as fact, rather than opinion.

I remember carnivals of old being big affairs. I also know it took 19 people two years to arrange the 1993 carnival, whereas five of us organised this one in six months. Also, the level of coverage and local support was much more widespread in those days.

What I (and the rest of the organisers) are trying to do is turn the carnival around, back to the 'good old days' - as highlighted by AccyDave.

If you think I am being over-sensitive, fine - I would rather be seen as someone who cares and will fight with passion for the town, than as someone who picks holes in others actually trying to make a difference, and instead sits and moans about 'world war 3', 'ian brady', and 'abu qatada', to name but three cheerful topics on this site.

I am very happy with how the carnival went, and particularly pleased with the spirit of those involved - all of whom have already asked how to get involved next time.

Thankfully, this is the only negativity I have encountered. It is not constructive at all, simply faceless people moaning despite having put little into the event. I have had messages of support through this site, twitter and facebook, and I certainly shall not thank one person on a forum for 'giving me the determination to improve'.

Believe it or not, I fuel my own determination - you think very highly of yourselves if you reckon two anonymous individuals from a web forum are my sole motivation!

In any case, the next carnival is in 2015 and you will be welcomed - especially if you would like to submit a procession entry and turn words into action?

Originally Posted by cashman (Post 1063357)

Just a thought, are the schools actually involved? If not would be good to get em contributing in some way fer 2015, way i see it, the more kids are involved the better.:)

Originally Posted by Margaret Pilkington (Post 1063369)

All Saint's School in clayton had a float...and believe me, the children were very excited to be involved in it.

I agree that getting the children involved in whatever way, can only be a good thing.
If they have a sense of community, then it will grow with them as they get older, and they will encourage their own children to get involved when they remember what fun they had with the venture.

Originally Posted by ffberryb77 (Post 1063358)

First of all, the important stuff - flashy (and anyone else interested) loads of pictures submitted by attendees can be found on our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/accringtoncarnival


In any case, the next carnival is in 2015 and you will be welcomed - especially if you would like to submit a procession entry and turn words into action?

Originally Posted by DaveinGermany (Post 1048520)

And there my friend, is your downfall. As you progress (should you The choice is yours young pilgrim, tread these walkways with caution, walk & talk quietly, notice much but say little at first until you achieve understanding & enlightenment or you have the taste of change on the wind. Oh, and always have a big stick handy to beat back the Bogeyman (or Woman) who lurk in darkened nooks & crannies. [IMG]file:///C:/DOCUME~1/admin/LOCALS~1/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image001.gif[/IMG]

Originally Posted by ffberryb77 (Post 1063373)

I see you are trying to get a response out of me. This is normally where things get personal which is a shame. I can't help but feel you have an axe to grind, maybe with me personally.

I apologise for having a different, more optimistic view than you, and for defending people who have put a hell of a lot of effort in.

I will not be dragged down to the level you wish to discuss, as it appears you have a lot of experience.

And for that reason, I'm out.

Originally Posted by ffberryb77 (Post 1063373)

I see you are trying to get a response out of me. This is normally where things get personal which is a shame. I can't help but feel you have an axe to grind, maybe with me personally.

I apologise for having a different, more optimistic view than you, and for defending people who have put a hell of a lot of effort in.

I will not be dragged down to the level you wish to discuss, as it appears you have a lot of experience.

And for that reason, I'm out.

Originally Posted by DtheP47;1063372[COLOR=#444444

**DinG I owe you a pint for plagerising your post**[/COLOR]

Originally Posted by DaveinGermany (Post 1063394)

'Ere now DtP47, why is this bit in little letters? Should be big, bold & colourful! :D

I'll give you sufficient warning of when I'm turning to never you mind about that. And if it means I get free Beer, well quote away my friend, quote away! ;) :)

Originally Posted by Taggy (Post 1063458)

How come they don't go along Blackburn Road & past the Market Hall/Town Hall anymore?

Best Regards - Taggy

Originally Posted by cashman (Post 1063460)

Dunno Taggy, when i was a lad they used to come down Burnley Rd i think.:confused:

Originally Posted by Taggy (Post 1063458)

How come they don't go along Blackburn Road & past the Market Hall/Town Hall anymore?

Best Regards - Taggy

Originally Posted by lancsdave (Post 1063462)

I seem to recall it's all to do with cost of road closures.

Originally Posted by Taggy (Post 1063463)

...the cost to Tesco Dave?

Best Regards - Taggy

Originally Posted by lancsdave (Post 1063465)

Somewhere in the complexities of the issue it may well be a factor :D

Originally Posted by cashman (Post 1063460)

Dunno Taggy, when i was a lad they used to come down Burnley Rd i think.:confused:

Originally Posted by DtheP47 (Post 1063479)

Seem to recall back in the day the floats and wagons assembled on Queens Road and headed off from there.

Originally Posted by Taggy (Post 1063461)

I can recall them coming in front of The Market Hall Cashy as I remember standing there watching it & also standing on the corner where The Commercial (Weather spoons) is. I think they did come down Burnley Road & through the centre & then turn past the Town Hall.

Best Regards - Taggy

Originally Posted by jaysay (Post 1063489)

The possession used to start on the street which runs parallel with Blackburn Road, where Tommy Blanks tyres was or still is

Originally Posted by Mick (Post 1063491)

Was/ is that Dale street jaysay ?

Originally Posted by jaysay (Post 1063489)

The possession used to start on the street which runs parallel with Blackburn Road, where Tommy Blanks tyres was or still is

Originally Posted by Taggy (Post 1063503)

Yes that's ringing a bell now Jaysay. I'm trying to think where it ended, did it go up Manchester Road to the Park or am I getting confused?

Best regards - Taggy

Originally Posted by jaysay (Post 1063507)

Think it did, but I'm getting things mixed up going to Sandy Lane too, but in the 70s nearly sure it was the Park

Originally Posted by Mick (Post 1063488)

I Must admit I did not see any info on the change of route
they used to come down Eagle st and down Blackburn road
we where in the Railway and I had my camera with me but nothing to take photos of

Originally Posted by lancsdave (Post 1063521)

It wasn't a change of route from the last one :p

There's a bit about the history of it here

The World Famous Accrington Lions Community Carnival - A History

Originally Posted by accyman (Post 1063598)

iv always known the people of accrington paid and built the hospital but i didn't know they also provided housing for nurses

people my age say how there was a better community spirit when we were kids just imagine how good it was back then

sadly history does seem to show we become less and less a community as time goes on

Originally Posted by katex (Post 1063920)

Unfortunately, missed this years, however, my brother made a video which I was able to watch on DVD. Thought it was very good, actually.

I think there is a problem with acquiring a wagon due to high Liability Insurance, in case someone 'falls of the back of a lorry'.

Originally Posted by katex (Post 1063920)

Unfortunately, missed this years, however, my brother made a video which I was able to watch on DVD. Thought it was very good, actually.

I think there is a problem with acquiring a wagon due to high Liability Insurance, in case someone 'falls of the back of a lorry'.

Used to love the Peter Pan Club floats. Hundreds of paper flowers.

Originally Posted by cashman (Post 1063922)

Don't think its that alone Kate, Think the fact hardly any local firms have em these days is also a factor?