On Sunday 19th August, we hosted the annual carnival songs of praise service. Our Rector the Revd Mark Lowther, Revd Sheila Hart, Revd Johanna Mabey and Father Tony Rogers led this United Service. Record numbers attended to join in the pre-carnival atmosphere.
We started the evening with Mark speaking to our church warden emeritus Dick Jeffery. It was a celebration weekend for the Jeffery’s, as Dick and his wife Val celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary the day before. Dick had us all in laughter with his choice of hymn Fight the good fight, which reflected his marriage to Val over the 63 years. Many congratulations Dick and Val.
The Aldeburgh Mayor Councillor John Digby, was the next person to be interviewed. John talked about the changes and challenges that Aldeburgh Carnival has presented the town council with over the years.
The third person was Trevor Harvey, the Carnival Marshall. It was in-fact Trevor’s 47th carnival as Marshall. Trevor told us all of stories gone by. We all knew we were in safe hands yet again with Trevor at the helm.
The fourth person was Alan Collett. Alan and his wife Christine have been leading a project in Aldeburgh in helping stop the decline of the Swifts. It really was incredible to hear what work Alan and Christine have done in helping these delicate little birds flourish in numbers.
The fifth person was Judy Gowen. Judy has been the carnival secretary since 1976. Judy has been an incredible asset to the carnival committee over the years. Her services to the carnival were even recognised with a British Empire Medal in 2015.
Our last lady to be interviewed was Taylor Paige-Briggs. Taylor was to be crowned Carnival Queen 2018 at the beginning of the carnival procession the following day. Taylor explained what her day would involve. When Mark asked Taylor what bit in particular she was looking forward to, she replied “All of it”. Good luck Taylor!!!
Please take a look at the photos below from the service. Click on any image to enlarge.
