Where is the Carnival 2010

THERE WILL BE A CARNIVAL IN 2010

To quell rumours, here are the facts so far:

 Rose Queen – Feb 21st 2009 - application to request use of Whaley Bridge Primary School.

 Rose Queen – March 31st 2009 – summoned to school, resulting in being told the Carnival is a Health and Safety risk for the school. Committee has been risk assessing for 3 years without incident.

 School Head and Governors – told us to speak to DCC re- Risk Assessment as out of their hands, and received a letter to confirm their decision.

 Rose Queen - April 3rd 2009 – Met with DCC and School Governors. DCC approved Rose Queen Health & Safety procedures.

 School Governors – May 5th 2009 – gave permission for Rose Queen to use site for 2009, but not for future years.

 Rose Queen – May 8th 2009 – letter of thanks to Governors for use of school and asked for reason of refusal for future use, which was acknowledged but without any answer.

 Rose Queen – June 11th 2009 – Trustees agreed further liaison with School Governors after the Carnival for future use.

 Rose Queen – June 27th 2009 – Carnival event successfully held. Any remedial work completed by July 20th 2009 to satisfaction of Head of School.

 Rose Queen – Sept 22nd 2009 – Trustees met with Head of School and Chair of Governors. Time was seriously restricted by Head so points for discussion were submitted in writing to School Governors.

 School Governors – Oct 2nd 2009 – sent a letter to Rose Queen Trustees refusing use of school premises in the future, due to ‘not being compatible with the school’s development plans.’

 Rose Queen – Since then the Trustees and Committee have spent many hours looking at alternative sites and in discussion with High Peak Borough Council, British Waterways, Derbyshire Police, Derbyshire County Council Forum and Volunteer Groups.

WE WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN, THE CARNIVAL WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY 26TH JUNE 2010

Whaley Bridge Bowling Club

If you have any comments or suggestions or would like to help us please email them to us at info@whaleyrosequeen.co.uk

If you can help now or on Carnival Day, please contact Ann Bell on 01663 732080 (evenings) or John Barnes on 01663 733603 (evenings).

March 11 2010

The Editor

The Buxton Advertiser

Dear Sir

I was trying to think of an act of collective stupidity to equal the decision of the Governors of Whaley Bridge Primary School to evict the Rose Queen Celebrations because of lack of “compatibility”. I finally came up with the decision of the board of a railway company that removed seats from their carriages in order to “make it more comfortable for standing passengers”.

Of the four main events in the Whaley Bridge community calendar the Rose Queen Carnival day is by far the largest and most popular. It is a celebration of young people and indeed it is fully supported by young families. You have to be there to witness the excitement it engenders and the organisers must be congratulated on their efficiency year in and year out.

Needless to say these same families send their children to their local Primary School and the need for a close relationship between school and community should be enshrined in the past reform of governing bodies to make community and parent governors the majority group.

Schools and their communities must work in partnership and this decision, in my opinion, is shortsighted and can only damage the local reputation of the school.

Fortunately the managers of the Bowling Club have come to the rescue this year but I do feel we should condemn the actions of the Governing Body of the School at least until they have provided a more adequate explanation of their actions.

Yours Sincerely

Nye Rowlands

CARNIVAL EXPELLED FROM WHALEY SCHOOL BUT BOWLED OVER BY CLUB

After 19 successful years of using the grounds of Whaley Bridge Primary School on Carnival Day, the Governing Body of the school has informed the Rose Queen committee that ‘the Rose Queen Carnival celebrations are not compatible with, or in the best interests of, the School’s development plans.’

Since this final decision in October there have been rumours around Whaley Bridge that there will not be a Carnival this year, but the Rose Queen Committee and Trustees have been exploring all possibilities, determined that a venue will be found to continue this local tradition on 26th June, which is the biggest celebration in Whaley Bridge, attracting people of all ages from all areas of the community, and last year raised over £3000 to give to local children’s and youth groups.

Some venues were not viable due to a variety of reasons from access to insurance. The Memorial Park was considered and plans began on how best it could be used, but there were many aspects that were far from ideal.

The Committee has been pleasantly amazed at the strong feelings and support from local people that this event must continue, and it was this support that out of the blue brought a surprise offer from the Whaley Bridge Bowling Club to use their grounds and indoor facilities for the event.

The Committee and Trustees are unanimously thankful for this offer, and are now confident they can provide yet another successful event for the people of Whaley Bridge, at a venue with better facilities than ever before.

Now we have secured this venue, to ensure the day is successful we need the people of the community to enter into the spirit of the day by joining in the parade, decorating their house, shop or a lamp post, or providing help either before or just on the day. No one needs inviting to be in the parade, it is up to you to make the day what it is. Just being a marshal during the parade will be greatfully appreciated. Most importantly, we need new Royalty for the event. Selection will be held for Royalty, both boys and girls from age 4 years up to 18 years, will be held on Sunday 28th March at The Bowling Club.

For further information please contact Ann Bell 01663 732080 (evenings) or John Barnes 01663 733603 (evenings).