1970’s and 1980’s

In the 1970’s and 80’s Baddesley held an annual Carnival and Fete, there were plenty of floats representing various organisations, walkers dressed in costume and there were usually two bands – the Sea Cadets and similar youth band, occasionally we would also have “Romsey Old Cadets Band”. The Carnival used to assemble in Ringwood Drive, then go around the village. Bordens used to provide their lorries for floats, they also provided a free coach to take villagers to and from the Recreation Ground.

In 1977 the Queen’s Silver Jubilee year, Baddesley not only had the traditional Carnival Princess, but also a Queen Mother – Vi Windibanks, who was lucky enough to be chauffeured around to various events in a locally owned Rolls Royce.

1986 was a special year, as Baddesley was celebrating the 900th anniversary of our entry in the Domesday Book of 1086 (which was produced at Winchester), as well as the medieval theme to the Carnival and Pageant, villagers were invited to join the fun and turn up in costume, which many did, this all added to the atmosphere of a most enjoyable day.

Sadly in the busy modern world of today, the Carnival is over.

Photograph of OAP’s Carnival float - date unknown

Photograph of Queen Elizabeth’s Silver Jubilee 1977 - party on the Recreation Ground, Vi Windibanks as the Queen Mother