Carnival with a message

Bridport’s Unite Community Group got into the spirit of Carnival recently – and took the message “Save the NHS” to the thousands of people lining the streets in the Dorset market town.

Over 20 of the group dressed as nurses and patients, chased by a giant skeleton processed through the town, joining with the traditional selection of majorettes, floats, local businesses and community organisations in the annual event.

Lucy Goodison from the group was amazed by how well the day went, and the positive reaction of the crowd.

She said, “It was great – at the front we had members of the groups Cartoon Action Theatre performing street theatre highlighting the dangers that NHS faces under the present government.

“This involved a massive skeleton chasing a nurse through the carnival who was imploring the crowd for help. Following them were a ragtag and bobtail group of walking wounded staff and patients, some less able members in wheelchairs so that could take part – whilse bringing up the rear was the first performance by Unite’s Bridport Kazoo band.”

Interacting

“Everyone was interacting with the crowd, a doctor was taking pulses, nurses and patients were shouting for help, while the massive skeleton loomed over everyone drawing spontaneous applause – and a few worried looks from younger carnival goers.

“Other members were handing out “Save our NHS” leaflets – we had 1300 printed which had all gone before reached the end.”

Not only did the group get a great response from the crowd, but they also bought back the original theme behind Bridport Carnival.

Lucy pointed out that; “The aim of the first Bridport Carnival in 1911 was to raise money for the local hospital, so we wanted to use our float to raise awareness of the issues facing the service.”

Cuts to health services in the area are a very big concern and the group was joined by campaigners, and Unite members, from the Save SCBU and Kingfisher Ward Campaign which is fighting to protect children’s services at Dorset County Hospital.

This was the second time Bridport Unite Community Group had attended the carnival. Carnivals and community events happen all over the country, and it’s a good opportunity to get involved and spread Unite’s message.

Dorset seems to be developing a tradition of unions being involved with local carnivals – the local Trades Unions Council has had a couple of floats at Weymouth Carnival and Royal College of Midwives members took part in Corfe Mullen Carnival last year.

Lucy was full of praise for fellow members of the branch after the Carnival saying; “Everyone was very committed to raise the branch profile and there was a very determined effort from all involved.”

Photo by Carlos Guarita