I took part in my first Battle parade when I was about nine with an entry from Millbrook Riding School, run by a Mr Smithard and Elaine Doel. The theme was people from around the world and I was dressed as a Red Indian. In my teens and early twenties I then worked on Jersey Young Farmers Club floats for a number of years when I was a member of the club.
How have you been involved since?
When my three children were small we entered the carnival section, which included a class for prams. Being part of the parade was more fun for them and the ideal way to enjoy Battle when they were very young as they didn’t have to sit still on seats for hours to watch. We decorated the pram with harestails and fresh flowers and each year it grew in size as we extended the structure with woodwork and other materials. Our themes ranged from Alice in Wonderland, which won first prize, to My Little Pony and Old MacDonald’s Farm, which included a cockerel perched on the pram handle. In more recent years I’ve worked on Trinity parish floats with tasks such as fresh flowering, papier maché and painting. I also led my Shetland pony, Tricky Dicky, about seven years ago as he was pulling a carriage for the Polish community entry.
What are you doing this year?
I’ve designed the Trinity parish float, which has a seaside theme, and I’m trying to co-ordinate all the elements involved with it as well as helping with all the different tasks such as sticking, papier maché and tea-making. I must admit, it’s made me realise and appreciate how much is done before the final fresh flowers are put on, from the intricacies of welding, carpentry and lighting to sorting out costumes, harestailng and fundraising.
Who do you think has been the best Mr Battle to date and who would you like to see in the role?
I thought Christopher Biggins had a great personality and was great fun at our shed. A suggestion for Mr Battle would be Henry Cavill. He has the Jersey connection and has been a fantastic ambassador for the Island. He would make an ideal escort for Miss Battle.
What’s the best float you’ve ever seen in the Battle?
That’s very difficult as there’s been so many good ones, particularly from the Optimists Club and St Clement, but being biased towards Trinity, I loved the Durrell float in 2009 with its realistic animals.
Why do you love being involved with the Battle?
It’s unique, fun and few other events compare with the way it brings all members of the community together, from very young children to parents and grandparents.
