WITH the weather much as it is this week, the Cirencester Hospital Carnival which took place in August 90 years ago was voted a great success, thanks to the hard work of the dedicated committee.

"AT 11am the weather presented a most unpromising outlook but the very heavy storm and its accompaniment of thunder which occurred at midday gave promise of better times and by early afternoon there was bright sunshine which continued throughout the remainder of the day. The stream of visitors to the annual fete and carnival in aid of Cirencester Memorial Hospital continued practically without intermission til a late hour and assumed such proportions as to set at rest any lingering doubts of the success of the undertaking.

The proceeds commenced with the customary fancy dress procession which assembled at the Stratton end of Gloucester Street and made a thorough tour of the town arriving at the Abbey Grounds where the costumes were judged.

Of recent years the popularity of the Carnival has been considerably extended by the inclusion of a capital programme of athletics. The Abbey track which is generally acknowledged to be one of the finest in the West of England was in good condition and a course of four laps to the mile was marked out. By common consent it was agreed that the meeting was the best held in Cirencester for many years and there would appear to be no reason why this should not develop into a large and important amateur meeting.

Twice during the day stage performances were given by Les Renfields acrobatics, benders, hand balancers and chair performers and Punch and Judy also made several appearances. By the kindness of Major Gordon Dugdale the Abbey Gardens were open to the public, with a voluntary collection. Several competitions brought further grist to the mill these included bowling for a pig, bowling for half a ton of coal and bowling for a pair of fowls.

Capital selections of music were given during the day by the Cirencester Silver Prize Band under bandmaster S Stevens and the Cirencester Town Military Band under bandmaster T Smith. In the evening both bands played alternately for dancing which was kept up til disk. The proceeds were brought to a close by a display of fireworks."