When was your first Battle?
I made some costumes for Nigel Gates and Simon Thomas about 16 or 17 years ago when they used to enter a float in the parade.
How have you been involved since?
I’ve made tea for float builders, I’ve done some flowering for the Barrette Family and Friends float, I’ve still got a hot glue scar and I have even been the costume judge for a couple of years. But my main involvement has been making Miss Battle’s dress for the last 12 years or so.
What are you doing this year?
As well as making Miss Battle’s dress, I’m helping the parish of St Martin with the costumes for their float, Jai Ho. I couldn’t resist their Indian theme this year and jumped at the chance – I just love a bit of colour and sparkle.
What’s your favourite thing about Battle?
I love the inclusivity of it all and particularly enjoy seeing the juniors’ involvement with the design, building and flowering of their floats. Even the costumes for St Martin’s junior float this year have been designed and made by 16-year-old Megan Barrette. I am sure this bodes well for the future.
What was your favourite float to work on?
St Martin’s entry this year – you’ll know why when you see it!
The best float you’ve ever seen?
All the floats are impressive, but a few years ago it was Mary Bidan – I think – who had a float populated by fiddle-playing leprechauns – the image has always stuck in my mind, I loved it.
Sum up the Battle in three words?
Exhausting, exhilarating, fun.
