"People’s champ" to be remembered at carnival (From Bournemouth Echo)

"People’s champ" Anson Westbrook to be remembered at Winton Carnival

4:00pm Thursday 7th March 2013 in News By Julie Magee

THE memory of the man who made it all possible will live on at a Bournemouth carnival.

Winton Carnival chairman Anson Westbrook, who sadly passed away last November, helped create and organise the colourful community event.

Despite being unwell, while working on last year’s carnival, the much-loved “peoples’ champion” was determined to make it a success.

Mel Bray, his colleague on the Winton carnival committee, said: “Anson was a fighter and people knew he would champion their cause. He was a doughty and resolute campaigner in the community.”

There are plans to remember Anson at this year’s carnival on Saturday, June 29, which is expected to attract thousands of people who will line the parade route along Wimborne Road before making their way to Winton Recreation Ground.

Traders and stallholders are already being urged to book their pitches for the family fun day-out.

There will be marching bands and, unlike its predecessors, this year’s event will have no theme. Floats and marchers are being encouraged to be as colourful, entertaining and noisy as possible.

Winton Rec will showcase an exciting mix of bands and dancers with a funfair as well as scores of stalls and attractions.

The special Winton Carnival ale will be available again, brewed for the first time by the Dorset Brewing Company.

No alcohol will be on sale in the carnival ground but the popular tipple will be on offer at various watering holes including the Parkstone and Heatherlands.

Winton carnival is a non-profit making event. If you want to find out more about taking part visit wintoncarnival.co.uk

See all our pictures from Winton Carnival 2012 here