TWO parishes which have been absent from Battle for several years could be back in the parade as part of a new ‘Northern Association’.
St John and St Martin will team up with Trinity to combine their skills and resources to enter a senior float in next year’s carnival – if an idea from members of the latter parish’s Battle of Flowers Association blooms.
This year, Trinity entered only a junior float because of a shortage of builders and other volunteers needed to support the year-round effort.
Facing dwindling numbers, Trinity Battle stalwart Charlie Ahier is proposing a new association to pool the talents of three parishes, as well as anyone else who wants to join in.
He said: ‘Although there is a wonderful team of supporters in Trinity, numbers have dwindled and even though St John and St Martin is just next door, the parish boundary is still quite a mental obstacle to overcome.
‘So, I came up with the idea of a Northern Parishes association, and we’ve had lots of encouraging feedback so far.
‘Historically, St John and St Martin have not been able to secure permanent premises, but Trinity has. The proposal is that a new Northern Parishes association would use Trinity’s premises at the top of Bouley Bay, and their float chassis. It would be a new beginning for all three parishes coming together as one.’
He added: ‘It would be sad to see Battle, one of the Island’s greatest and longest running community events, disappear as it uniquely brings together all ages, cultures and nationalities embracing everyone from young children to grandparents.
‘Trinity has supported it with senior and junior floats for over 40 years or more but, with a smaller pool of volunteers, the need is felt to widen its horizons.
‘Battle is a great way to make new friends, give a little back to the community, learn new skills, and have a great time being part of something bigger. There’s a role or job for everyone within the Battle family.’
