Old woman who lived in a shoe was a popular choice (From Cotswold Journal)

Old woman who lived in a shoe was a popular choice

10:30am Thursday 9th July 2009

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Bourton Carnival in 1979 took as its theme The Year of the Child.

The Journal reported: “Most of the floats were as cheerfully and brightly coloured as illustrations in a book of nursery rhymes and there were smiling children’s faces everywhere, mainly because so many floats decided to depict the Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe and her legendary family.

“There were 16 decorated vehicles and nearly 100 fancy dress competitors.

“Once again the weather was fine with the sun coming out precisely on cue as the procession went through the village led by Chedworth Silver Band.

“Great Rissington Social Club won the prize for the best decorated float with its Come to the Fair based on the Simple Simon rhyme.

“Second were Bourton Ladies’ Hockey Club with Sing a Song of Sixpence, and third, Bourton Guides with The House That Jack Built.

“Alison Cutler and her friends as Alice in Wonderland characters won the first prize in the fancy dress; Ann and Catherine Hemmings were second as the Owl and the Pussycat, and Andrew Kibblewhite third, as Who Killed Cock Robin? An excellent route was followed, leading eventually to Bourton Vale School, where a barbecue was held and a free dance to the music of a Bavarian Oompah Band.

“The carnival was the climax of a week of activities, including the finals of a darts competition held at the Old New Inn, Bourton.

“The men’s contest was won by Jimmy Harkness and the women’s by Joan McPhilmey.

“The programme ended with a united service at the Baptist church, Bourton, on Sunday.”

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