Hi folks!

Well, that seems to be Christmas over. And what do you know - it’s nearly Spring! Did anyone see what happened to February? Only the beat of a gnat’s wing until your favourite time of the year. Hooray for Alderney Week!

And what delights have we in store for you this year? Well, continuing our trend of making life deliriously easy for you, our theme this year is “Ancient Civilisations”. Also known as “Times Past”. And sometimes “AD/BC”. What more could you ask, to dress up your floats and yourselves? From the loincloths of Bedrock to the togas of Greece and Rome. From the ziggurats of the Aztecs and the Egyptians to the minarets of Camelot and Quatre Vents. The choice is yours. The world is your oyster. “The hills are alive …”

… I’m glad to hear that everyone had a great time last year. What a turnout for the Cavalcade Parade, eh? Hordes of great foot processionists, amazing floats, and a staggeringly tremendous winning float from the Benfields. Can you outdo yourselves this year, we ask?

Alderney Week is not Alderney Week without a few wrinkles to smooth out. This year we are without the Island Hall for accommodation and venue. But never fear, we’ll take on the challenge and come up with … something. Can’t wait to see what it is!

Last year was another bumper crop for Miss Alderney: Claire Shaw, her lovely Maids of Honour, Angela Ball and Gina Lowe and the delightful Miss Lara Gaudion as Little Miss Alderney. Not to mention Master Jordan Walters for his inimitable appearance as Master Alderney. Thanks ladies for a fabulous job - we hope that you enjoyed it. And who will be Miss Alderney this year? Will it be you? Why not? OK - so you’re male and 43 years old. Well, you’d better hope that there are no other contestants, then. But to all of our lovely ladies, do come and see us around May 29th, when once again, the fickle finger of fate will fetch to the fore our favourite and effervescent female of festivities. Not to mention her Honourable Maids - and Little Miss Alderney and Master Alderney around 31st May. Watch this space …

Everyone came good once again last year to help lift Alderney Week to even greater heights. Sponsors, organisers, helpers - God bless you one and all. Will you do it again this year? If you haven’t yet received your bribe, don’t worry - I’ll be seeing you …

We hope to have all of your old favourites once again. I’m glad to say that The Alderney Blowers will be with us again, staying this year on the top floor of The Butes Centre. Sshhh - don’t let on … Even the good half of The Marquee will be here again - assuming that that hasn’t disappeared as well.

And so, dear friends, like a Trislander in an updraught, onwards and upwards. The days are getting longer. My hair is getting shorter. The sun is in its heaven. Tea and biccies at eleven.

Don’t forget to get up early this year - we start on Saturday 31 July - probably at 10am - and probably with the Kfa girls and the Brolly and Bonnet Parade. But don’t take anything for granted. Anything could happen between now and then. Something would be good. Keep your ear to the ground and expect the unexpected. Or if you’re in the middle of Victoria Street, quite likely the dustcart.

And on that picturesque note, I’ll bid you adieu but not goodbye. I’ll write as often as I can. But it’s time for another pill now.

Until the shaking stops, then …

Yours in Alderney Week
Anybody's at any other time

Dave
Erstwhile Master of the Frolics