Ninfield goes carnival crazy

NINFIELD'S reputation as the village with enough community spirit to stage a town-sized carnival was more than justified on Saturday.

Assembled floats stretched the length of Lower Street for judging. The procession route was thronged with spectators. And fun-seekers found a whole day of entertainment on the recreation ground.

Crowds lining the procession road up Bexhill Road to the Blacksmith's Inn, down Manchester Road to Coombe Lane and back down Bexhill Road to the recreation ground were not disappointed.

With a toot from his 1906 Aveling and Porter traction engine, farmer Hugh Clifton signalled the start of the procession.

It was timely warning of the water pistols and water-bombs of the participants who would follow.

Wild, wacky and richly-inventive, a variety of floats reflected the variety of village life.

"Call us Vitler and Co," said Elaine Vitler, spokeswoman for a family contingent which had chosen a Dr Who theme.

The Tardis had pride of place on a trailer bearing youngsters Charlie Vitler, Coby Vitler, Molly Butler, Ben Butler and Jack Poole.

Tardis and costumes were the creation of Elaine Vitler and Marion Walker.

Sandra Cruttenden of The Blacksmith's Inn together with a bevy of pub regulars were whooping it up in a be-finned reproduction American convertible as they re-enacted Grease.

Car and costumes were the product of more than a week's work by five of the 12-member "cast."