Tots Romp to Victory at Helmdon Carnival The warm bank holiday weather brought more than 2000 people to this year's Helmdon Carnival. The theme for the carnival procession was pub signs, and six organisations from the village had floats in the carnival, including the WI, Helmdon Fellowship and Acorn's Pre-school. The procession made its way along the main road from Manor Farm to the sports field, fronted by the 18-strong Army Cadet Band from the Gibraltar Barracks in Northampton. David Amson, of Wappenham Road, Helmdon, said:" I watch the carnival every year. It's a lovely event". Gary Trinder, of Bell Close, said: "It's absolutely fantastic for a little village. We have got young people, old people, everyone involved in it." Reg Jeacock, aged 88, the oldest man in the village, and former landlord of the Chequers Inn, was responsible for judging the carnival floats and picked the Acorns Pre-school 's float as the winner. He said: "The standard this year is very good and all the years I can remember the floats have been quite up to standard." The float was based on the pub sign, The Old Oak and pre-school committee members Ann Lester and Sarah Stubbs dressed up as various animals, together with 13 three to four-year-olds. It was the second time in a row that the pre-school was judged as the best float. Mrs Lester said: "We're getting good at it now - it's wonderful to win again. The children enjoy it so much." Other events included archery, clay pigeon shooting, pony rides, a bouncy castle, a dog display by Northants dog training and a raffle, with the top prize, a weekend for two in a continental city, donated by Jeff's Coaches. The Banbury Guardian - 3rd September 1998