Congratulations to Robert Watson who was awarded an M.B.E. in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2013.

Robert received his award in October 2013 from the Queen at Buckingham Palace. "It was the proudest day of my life and one that I will never forget." He went on to say, "This is for everyone who has helped, I could not have done it without them."

Robert has been a long serving member of the Carnival Committee after attending the public meeting following the first Carnival in 1964.

Robert became Chairman of the Carnival Committee in 1981. He retired this post in 2007 when his Grandson, Martin Green took over.

Robert however, continues to help with the event to this day and I can think of no better way of celebrating 50 years of Braintree Carnival.

Braintree celebrated its 50th carnival in 2013. We hope that you all enjoyed it with us

Attractions in the main arena included Melton Mobray Toy Soldiers, Blue Falcons Gymnastic Display, Essex Caledonian Pipe Band, EO45 Dance Group and the Jake Morrell Band. Also, around the field were the usual fun fair and selection of stalls.

We were also pleased to welcome back our 'old' MC who retired a couple of years ago after over 15 years of service with us.

Full details are still a bit vague but the Donkey's have been booked. Also appearing will be Punch and Judy, Face Painting, Bouncy Castle, Play Bus, Penalty shoot-out Competition and much much more. Not sure about the animals yet.

An Open Mic session Of Braintree's Got Talent will take place at Meadowside (Carnival Field) on Carnival Day at 1pm. Organised by the Rotary Interact Club of Braintree Sixth Form.

The Final takes place on 13th July.

The contest is again sponsored by Domino's Pizza and £400 in prize money is available to the winner.

A reunion of over 50 Carnival Queens and Princesses took place at a Reunion Dance on Friday 17th May 2013. Although many were contacted, we are still looking for the whereabouts of many more. If you know someone who was a Braintree and Bocking Carnival Queen or Princess then please get in touch.

You can either email us here at the website or call Pat Watson on 01376 551969.

Obviously anyone who could not make the dance, we hope to see you all on Meadowside on Carnival Day.

You can take part in the carnival in a number of ways:

• Enter a float or simply walk in the procession.
• Enter the Carnival Queen or Princess competitions.
• Hire a pitch but hurry as only a limited number of spaces are available.
• Enter the Window Display competition.

Use the links under Take Part in the left margin for more details.