STAINDROP’S carnival procession, which is perhaps the largest in Teesdale, was well attended with a colourful and innovative array of costumes from all who took part on Saturday, July 14.
Crowds lined the streets and the edge of the green as the colourful parade marched the length of the main street before judging took place on the village green arena.
The parade, which has been hailed by spectators as the “best yet” , was led by a miniature steam engine and featured vintage tractors, classic cars, Star Wars characters as well as Santa Claus.
The village green was packed with stalls on the day.
Following the parade villagers and trustees packed into the Scarth Hall for a special ceremony to mark the “hard work and determination” of one villager.
Morris Race, who has been pivotal in obtaining funding to refurbish the popular village venue, is stepping down as board of trustees president.
Hylene Bowman told the packed hall Mr Race had not only been instrumental in getting the funding but had been the driving force in the redesign of the hall, which has secured the hall’s future for generations to come.
She said: “We know Morris has worked tirelessly for the good of this hall for many years and when it got into a bad state he did a lot of work to create his vision and got it right.”
During the ceremony Mr Race was presented with gift vouchers that had been donated by all trustees and members of the village as a token of their appreciation. And when a plaque was unveiled renaming the stage, the Morris Race Stage, he was close to tears.
Mr Race said he was overwhelmed by the dedication. He said: “This is brilliant. I have to thank all the villagers for getting off their backsides.”
A village sports day took place on the green on Sunday followed by live music at at the primary school, which rounded off the fun weekend.
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