2013? Bring it on!

Where to start? I normally don't bother with resolutions; they get bent and broken so easily.Instead I'm going for hopes and aspirations, after last year being a bit of a big cock up, it'll be interesting to see how these pan out. A new, fresh start:

1. I'm going to support my Mum and watch her kick the big "C"'s arse. We're half way there but she has still got a long time to go. I know I cannot cure it, but a positive attitude and help when I can is a must. As with most people, we're close to our parents. Mum and I created a strong bond over the time I was ill. Fighting all the way, and I'll be there with her.

2. Learn new things and have different experiences. (Without being alcoholically challenged!) Perhaps finally learn an instrument, or go back to playing the piano and develop my skills. Go back to learning another language. It's been too long since I've done something practical, I enjoy learning and I should utilise this further. I now have the time, rather than watching films, or sitting in the pub I will make sure that I will be proactive with expanding my horizons. (Admittedly signing up to a 200 mile bike ride was a little bit of a crazy moment, but that will be.... Interesting, a challenge??)

3. Keep my head down and work hard. I have a new job starting soon, it's a chance for a whole new career and life. So many options from it.. Thou shalt not cock it up. I want my own place and to prove things can be accomplished on my own.

4. Support Herne Bay in any way, shape or form that I can do and not just on a Council level. So many events to plan that are all just going to get bigger and better as the year goes on. I'm looking forward to my 2nd year in the BayPromoTeam. They've become a second family, They are all crazy in their own ways but what we've managed to accomplish is totally amazing, long may that continue (and Gerald's amazing costumes!)

5. Dive the US Thistlegorm. I've been to Egypt god knows how many times, I miss out. This isn't a hope, this is happening.  My idol Jacques Cousteau discovered it, I need to do this wreck. I'm back to Egypt on my own this time. I'm quite excited about this. The Thistlegorm is a war grave, a very sad wreck from 1941, but it's probably one of the most interesting wrecks ever. Full cargo.

6. Last and final one, to learn to be happy for myself and myself alone. This is going to be the hardest one, but against 6 months ago, there's no comparison as to what I feel about my life. I just must look to the next 6 months and see what I can accomplish. As Mr Shakespeare once said, "All the world's a stage, and all the men and women are merely players". Time for me to take a main role.

To the family, friends and crazies who seem to like hanging about with me, thank you for everything. XX

Life, 2013, bring it on. I'm ready and waiting! Just let me get out of bed and over this damn hangover first...

HERNE BAY CARNIVAL!

Yes, it's that time of year again!

Left to right: Ashden, Eloise and Keira

I've got quite literally everything crossed in hope that the weather stays nice. I refuse to look at the forecast, I'm not particularly superstitious but I've been told I'm a curse so many times now I've started to actually believe it.

Carnival has always been a big part of my life, I grew up the Broadway end of the Bay. I always remember my Dad putting me on his shoulders and walking me down to see the floats get ready. I especially loved the Queen's floats. Seeing the girls in beautiful flowing dresses and glittery tiaras. I grew up in the "Disney Generation"; to see real life princesses at a young age was the equivalent winning the lottery when you're that small and impressionable. The only thing I couldn't understand why Prince Charming and his white steed were not apart of the procession.

I got involved back in '06 when I randomly decided to enter Miss Herne Bay after having a dream (Yes.. this did actually happen) and managed to win. I had an awesome year with my Princesses, despite being hit in the head by 2p pieces and having the WORST weather in the history of Herne Bay Carnival. (Force 7 Gale... Peeing it down with rain. See, I told you I was a curse!). But overall I've had more fun in the 6 years I've been involved since that year. The work behind the scenes is incredible and I've made some of the most awesome friends possible. 

Our float, of which we are very proud of, gets a total re haul every two years, and adjustments made every year. This year's float has taken months to complete and it's all ready won two major cups at both Whitstable and Margate Carnivals this year all ready.   I will put some decent pictures of the float up soon.. this was a half hearted effort from Ramsgate.


People don't quite realise what goes on to make a carnival. It's an all year thing. The paperwork, finances and grafting doesn't happen all by itself. We're constantly our trying to raise funds for our charity without any funding. We have a small but dedicated committee of some amazing, friendly and hard working people that most of the general public don't even see! The red tape and health and safety aspect has hampered all Carnivals in the last 10 years, but if you keep the dedication going, you can achieve anything. Herne Bay Carnival Committee prove this every year!

If you want to get involved on the day or just generally; contact us on our Facebook page or go to www.hernebaycarnival.co.uk

We also have a post carnival dance being held down at the Kings Hall. £5 a ticket, all for charity. We have the AWESOME Kellys Heros playing. I'm not just saying that.. they really are quite special.... See you down there!