If you ask older residents they will tell you the Stoke Carnival was the highlight of the year, running in the 1950s and 60s for four days solid.
It was a star attraction in the city when it was brought back to life in the late seventies by George Bray, David Instance, and Pat and John Kinsman who still run the Stoke Youth and Community Centre, despite both being in their 80s.
In previous years there has been a gradual resurgence of community pride in a part of the city that has had to deal with massive social upheaval – in no small part due to the reduced size of the workforce in the nearby Dockyard.
This year, due to a combination of good weather and community goodwill combined with professional help, grant funding from the Big Lottery and the efforts of the Stoke Youth and Community Centre volunteers, members of Stoke Traders and Residents Association (STARS) and the local traders they represent; Stoke Village and the Blockhouse Park Summer Fun Day was a great success.
Hundreds of people soaked up the atmosphere, listening to some great music, browsing stalls and taking time to revisit memories of times gone by with old friends and new. It was a great joy to see the Lord Mayor, Cllr Sam Davey, at the head of a Lord Mayor’s Procession in Stoke once again and to have the Devonport Mace specifically chosen to accompany him.
STARS would like to thank everyone for their support including the Lord Mayor for his attendance and enthusiasm in taking part in the parade; Diverse Events for organising the stall holders and all the infrastructure in such a professional way; Stiltskin Theatre Company for entertaining children and adults alike; Paula Hocking from Eldertree who coordinated a Vintage Tea Dance; Simon Keates for the samba parade; the Co-op for their financial and practical help; Stoke Damerel Community College; Stoke Youth and Community Centre; everyone who provided the wonderful raffle and tombola prizes; Russell Sinclair and Priscilla Carroll who ran both music stages plus all the acts they brought along; Rev Alison Richardson and the congregation of Stoke Christian Centre who created the wonderful banners and flags.
Community spirit was flying high as volunteers gave up their free time from the early hours of Saturday morning to late in the day. After a hard earned rest, STARS will begin the planning of the 2019 event and would appreciate any feedback via their Facebook page www.facebook.com/groups/ StokeStars or by emailing the Chairman, Andrew Bray, on braya43@hotmail.com.
And everyone is invited to go along to the next open meeting at 7pm on August 8. Make an evening of it by sharing your ideas and feedback during the meeting, followed by a cup of tea or coffee prior to the start of the British Firework Championships which can be viewed from The Blockhouse Park; a great vantage point.
