THE PARADE is heading towards a similar record to last year when 49 entries were in the parade. However, there is still time to enter a float (lorries are available), vehicle or tableau – contact Diana on 01943-462498. She is also seeking one more open topped car to carry the guests – if you fancy showing off your car please contact Diana.

This year the parade will be led by the town's Bellman and Deputy Bellman both mounted on electric bikes – this must be a first!

THE FIELD ACTIVITIES are all booked and ready to go and most of the field has been booked. Only 3 plots for stalls, etc remain to be booked - call June on 01943-467549 to take up one of these.

In order to support the carnival and cover the increasing costs, the Committee Members and representatives of the 3 beneficiaries have been hard at work selling carnival programmes and draw tickets at the Sainsbury and Waitrose stores in addition to holding a cake stall at the Buttercross.

To date more than £600 has been raised by these events and the hope is that this excellent public support for the carnival will continue at Waitrose this coming Saturday (13 June). Our grateful thanks to the management of these 2 stores for their helpful support for this popular local event.

An important source of income for the event and the 3 beneficiaries is the collection of cash from the thousands of people who flood the town centre to watch the parade and follow it into the show field. Ever year several volunteers, mostly in some fancy dress, 'mingle' with the spectators to seek their support. Most people happily donate money to the cause when asked but there are never enough collectors to approach the up to 25,000 people who are expected to attend which results in many residents and/or visitors not being able to donate. Any volunteers (over 16 years old) would be most welcome – simply turn up between 12.30 and 1 pm at the parade starting point at the Leeds Road Auction Mart to pick up a collection tin – Phone Ann on 01943-466995 for more info.

Every year the shop owners in the town are asked to decorate their windows during the week leading up to the carnival to add to the spirit and atmosphere. This is organised as a competition and trophies and certificates are awarded to the best overall window as well as the first, second and third best in each of 3 classes of large, medium and small windows.

This year 30 shops have entered and are set to decorate their windows for this coming Sunday (14^th June) when the 4 judges will tour the town assessing the excellent efforts of the shop staff. These shops are shown on the attached list in an order which will allow the reader to take in all the shops in a 'walk round' route. The results will be e-mailed to you late on the Sunday and the awards will be presented to the winners on the Monday morning by Wendy Corden, the Committee Chairman.

For further information contact Geoff Wright on 01943-465179