Mr Carnival honoured

Craig Robinson

A CARNIVAL stalwart has been honoured for decades of participation in a coastal resort's popular event.

Brian Ward, 81, of Saxmundham Road, Aldeburgh, has been taking part in the town's annual celebration for as long as he can remember.

At this year's event the carnival committee presented him with a certificate commemorating his participation and thanking him for his commitment.

The commendation honoured Mr Ward for his wit, creativity and ability to make people laugh over the years by entering into the carnival spirit and dressing up in fancy dress for the main parade.

He said: “It is something of a family tradition. In fact my grandfather started the very first one. In those days it was known as a regatta. It was held on the beach with bathing machines, dive boards, kayaks, rowing boats and swimming races.

“I started when I was very young and I've watched it evolve. This year for example was one of the biggest I've ever seen.

“I just like the community atmosphere - you hear voices in the crowd and see familiar faces - it's wonderful. There are hundreds of people, some of which have lived here all their lives, others have moved away and come back especially to watch.”

Despite his advancing years Mr Ward has no plans to stop taking part - although he may have to take things a little easier.

“I hope to be able to do it again next year - they might have to take me round in a wheel barrow though! But I've got no plans to stop just yet.”

Judy Gower, secretary of Aldeburgh Carnival Committee, said Mr Ward had entered into the spirit of the event by going forth and making merry.

“That's what Brian has done for really the whole of his life,” she said. “There is nobody else with that record and we thought it was right to honour him with something special and acknowledge his participation and contribution.”