The Birth of The Club

A foreword by Charlie Swain, Charlie Mockridge, and Ron Rawles ( the first Vice presidents of Sydenham Carnival Club.)

Two prefabricated war time bungalows were converted into what became the Sydenham Community Centre. Throughout the week various functions took place to cater for all ages, among which was a youth night which was chiefly a Disco night. These evenings were organised by three members of the management committee and were namely Mr. Charlie Swain, Mr. Charlie Mockridge and Mr. Ron Rawles. During these evenings of activity, approaches were made from the members as to whether something different could be organised and Mr. Mockridge (who probably encouraged and looked after the youths section more than any other committee member) suggested the formation of a carnival club this suggestion was received enthusiastically by the youth particularly by Rod stoodley who was appointed captain of the club. The management committee agreed to the formation of the club, the youths themselves being responsible for the discipline and organising within the club, with the parent committee being the watchdog and adviser, this being the responsibility of members Swain, Mockridge and Rawles who then set about fund-raising schemes. A sweep on the Grand National was organised and whist and bingo sessions were also ran with members of the newly formed carnival club added fund raising was very rewarding in a very short time. So much so, that the club had chosen and presented the entry which was a "gay Hawaiians" with the popular song "island in the Sun". rehearsals got underway and this created more attendance's and worked for the committee members who not only attended but had to endure the singing rehearsals and with the terrible noises coming from the carnivalites, it was punishment at its best. But as the weeks went by it improved and believe it or not became enjoyable to those who never thought it would be possible, now that it was Taken shape. Thoughts now turned to transport, tractor and trailer and of course, lighting. This also had its problems. The generator acquired would not function and the assistance of Mr. Bryan villis was sought, you willingly gave his services and advice. Offers of tractor and driver by Mr. K Keirle was readily accepted. Costume and the float were well presented, most of this by club members. The management has now approved the allocation of money collected to the tune of some £450 with the stipulation that the club should appear at the centre in their carnival costumes during the concert fortnight. During the first appearance the committee representatives went along to the town hall to see how they performed and were greatly impressed. Satisfied with what they saw they returned to the centre with a glowing report. The Scheme, a challenge to the youth, had been launched, and very successfully. The second year proceeded on a similar line. As the rehearsals for 1961 were about to begin pressure was being brought to the members of the club to transfer from the centre to a more convenient venue (a pub in the vicinity of the town hall.) this was not acceptable to the community Centre because of the age of some of the club members. Unable to change their minds it was with regret that connections were severed as many happy hours had been spent among the club's members.

Taken from the book
THE HISTORY OF MARKETEERS CARNIVAL CLUB 1960 - 1980 WRITTEN AND COMPILED BY DAVE STONE
With grateful thanks to Bob Chidgey, Lyn Gore, Andy Bawden, John Williams, Malcolm Wills, Chris Hocking and Gerrard Dunster
Without whom this book would not have been possible
Transferred to the web By David Kirk Jnr (Jones)