by Alan Quick

THE BI-ANNUAL Cheriton Fitzpaine Carnival, held on a balmy Saturday evening, has been branded “the best yet”, with a high standard of tableaux and walking entries and large crowds of people watching along the route through the village.

Judging of the tableaux and walking entries took place at the village primary school and it was the Cheriton Farmers float “Little Bo Peep” which was judged the champion, winning the impressive perpetual shield.

Cheriton Fitzpaine Primary School were also winners, winning the Carol Hext Memorial trophy, with their colourful tableaux.

Cheriton Fitzpaine WI tableaux was “A Midsummer Night’s Mare”, and the Twinning Association presented “Devon Cider, Cider de Normande”.

Samuel Price dressed as Mario, Luke Driver was Louigi and Charlie Lancelets was Vector and depicting “Flower Power” were Polly Crumby and Daisy Crumby, complete with a model car.

The Garden Club presented “Alice in Wonderland” and Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee and the two “Hearts” also gave out free tarts.

Dressed as colourful ostriches were Nora Barwood, Catherine Down, Claire Lewis and Heather Down.

Karen Walls and Roy Webber representing the Half Moon operated a clever combine harvester.

Barbara Pratt was an amazing Hot Air Balloon and Ray Sanders was “An Officer and a Gentleman”.

There were two troupes of majorettes, the Devon Dynamite Majorettes from Exeter and the Tiverton New Generation Majorettes, both complete with bubbles.

Steph Heard Fitness classes were colourful and a fire engine from Crediton were also in the parade.

Barry Evershed drove his 1932 Morris Minor, which he has owned for 50 years and there was also an impressive steam engine in the parade.

Holly Skinner (9), the Carnival Queen and her attendants, Neve Hall (9) and Archie Tonkin (6), looked very grand in a carriage pulled by two horses.

Food and drink was available and a disco was held in the square at the Half Moon crossroads after the procession.

Profits from the carnival go to village organisations.