When was your first Battle?
I became involved with the Battle in 1982 through a friend who worked on the St Clement float. The first float I worked on was Cabbages and Kings, which was designed by Al Thomas.
How have you been involved since?
I continued to work on the St Clement float for around 20 years. As well as harestailing and flowering, which I enjoyed, I was treasurer of the St Clement Battle Association for a number of years, which involved all aspects of fundraising, from organising Sunday lunches in the parish hall to car boot sales.
What are you doing this year?
I am the senior judges’ steward, as I have been for eight or nine years. This involves meeting the judges early in the morning and making sure that they are in position for when judging commences. It is important that all exhibits receive the same amount of time and attention from the judges. It is also my responsibility to liaise with the float leader and advise when their float is about to be judged. Most importantly of all I have to collect and collate the judges’ marks for the recorder, so that the prizes can be awarded to the winning floats. This year I have also been helping in the Battle office with the online ticket sales.
What’s your favourite thing about Battle?
The community spirit that is generated by Battle is unique. All of my family have been involved in various ways over the years and have made many friends through doing it.
What was your favourite float to work on?
My favourite was probably Venezia, designed by Marcus Davis, I think it was in 1990. The float depicted a scene set in Venice. It was my favourite because both my son and daughter were on the float.
The best float you’ve ever seen?
It would be very difficult to pick a favourite as there have been so many spectacular floats over the years.
Sum up the Battle in three words?
Fun, awesome and spectacular.
