History

Ambergate Carnival has a long and proud history. Organised by the Richard Johnson & Nephew Sports and Social Club Committee until 1981, it moved to the Recreation Ground as the ‘Ambergate Event’ in June 1982. Since then, Carnival has gradually evolved into a week-long programme of activities building up to the second Saturday in July.

Planning the Carnival

“There is a fair amount of organisation that goes into each event, both in the lead up to and on the day of each event. Volunteers from around the village help out, some for specific events and some in the general committee based work that is undertaken.

The event requires various permissions to be granted for licences and to arrange and book equipment to stage the various events. Much of this is done in the lead up to the Carnival week, in addition to running the various events through the week. This results in inevitable running costs, which are met by fundraising before the events and takings on the day. The residents of the village are involved wherever possible, but increasingly over the last few years there has been a need to rely on outside agencies, this can therefore increase the running costs and the organisation required.

Help from volunteers is therefore one of the vital aspects that has kept the Ambergate Carnival running, and if you can offer any help it would be gratefully received and will also help ensure that Ambergate’s Carnival week continues to grow. If you feel able to offer any form of help, please contact members of the organisation committee direct or by contacting them via the contact page” Duncan Noble-Nesbitt

Focus on this years theme…Weather

Over the years since the first Event in 1982, we have experienced just about every aspect of weather that the British summer can provide. The summer of 2007 of course was the worst experience, with Carnival happening on just the top part of the ‘rec’ – in spite of Alec Dodd’s noble efforts to pump out the flood water, the lower half was completely inaccessible for the first time ever.

The 1980s did see some very wet Carnival Days. The year Colonel and Mrs Hilton, then Lord Lieutenants of Derbyshire, opened the event saw the whole proceedings happen inside the marquee, as the rain came down in sheets outside. The year we had the police dogs in the arena gave us a particularly frightening overhead thunderstorm. We didn’t seem to have many years without at least a shower, and I especially remember being in the procession on the Ambergate School ‘Bedknobs and Broomsticks’ float, singing ‘We’re Riding Along on the Crest of a Wave’ with my bottom in a puddle!

We’ve had our share of good weather as well of course – especially the year I dressed up in oilskins and waders etc as ‘Be Prepared’. That turned out to be the middle of a heatwave! We had a very lucky run of lovely days during the 1990s, with mixed fortunes so far in the new millennium.

Let’s hope you’re reading this on a sunny day with a light, cooling breeze. If not, don’t despair – better luck next year. Chris Worth

Focus on the Family Sports Day Event

The Ambergate Event was originally held each year in June but, following a few years of towing bogged-down vehicles off the recreation ground, it was moved to the second Saturday in July in the hope of better weather and therefore firmer ground.

“In 1991 Phil Smith suggested we revive a 1920s traditional dash, following a route through Shining Cliff woods up to the reservoir and back. Re-named the ‘Up & Down’, and partnered with the ‘Round & Round’ (for the very young and less fit) it takes place on the Sunday morning beginning Carnival Week. The two races kick off Family Sports Day on the Recreation Ground. After the medal presentations and lunch (hot food van on site, or bring a picnic), there are school-sports-type races for kids and big kids, plus an informal Tug-of-War competition. The day rounds off with our modern tradition of the Adults v Kids football match.

All timings are approximate and weather-dependant, but over the years there have been some very relaxing and enjoyable Sports Days. These days the Up & Down doesn’t go all the way up to the reservoir, but turns around at a drinks station situated wherever the terrain (or the mud) will allow. Nevertheless, the course record is a matter of heated debate – I think it belongs to Mike Rouse from the very early days, but I’m sure someone will set me straight.

The Up & Down has had many loyal devotees over the years, and competition is always fierce. Multiple winners include organiser Phil Smith, Steve Reedman, Duncan Worth and Tim Fry, also the youngest-ever winner. Notable First Ladies have included Helen Betts, Lucy Booth, Joanne Bradley and Lucy Wain. Local businesses have played their part – Terry Hawley from Ambergate Stores took part for many years, as later did butcher Andy Brocklehurst.

As the Up and Down route starts along the A6, crosses the garage forecourt and Ha’penny Bridge on a busy summer Sunday, marshalls are always crucial to the safety of the participants. We are grateful to the many that have helped. We only had one panic in the early years when two entrants had failed to return after nearly an hour. A search was quickly mounted, but fortunately teenagers Ruth and Kathy weren’t lost – they’d just stopped to pick flowers!” Chris Worth