Sweet Success for NLTG at Accrington Carnival
Date: 01/07/2009
On Saturday 20th June, 2009, the famous Accrington Lions Carnival took place in the town centre. NLTG are proud to be the main sponsors of this event which takes place every two years and involves local businesses, schools and colleges.
Two months before the event a theme for all carnival floats was chosen, this years being ‘Blockbuster Movies'. A meeting was called and representatives from each team at North Lancs Training Group came together to choose a film theme for the float. Several suggestions were put forward but in the end we decided to choose Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. We thought this idea was fun and imaginative and knew that everyone would want to get involved to put the whole thing together. During meetings about the ‘set' design, ideas came streaming in about how we would create a chocolate factory - on the back of a 40ft lorry! We had visions of chocolate fountains, life-size candy canes and giant toffee apples. It was only at this point that we realised the extent of the task ahead. Myself, Sasha Johnson and the Sales Team knew we had to draw up a plan of action. One person to co-ordinate costumes; two people for set design; one person to organise sweets and chocolate; the list went on. In total, over 70 costumes were to be purchased for oompa loompas, Willy Wonka's, Violet's, Verucca's, Slugworth's, Mike Teevee's also giant jelly beans, Wonka Bars and Golden Tickets. We made ‘mood boards' of ideas for the trailer and approached Karen Mitchell, the CoVE Technician, to help with our plans. After showing Karen our ideas, it was not long before she came back to us with her creation. Within a week, 80ft of grass edging had been made along with giant toadstools and wild flowers for the float - it was amazing how much Karen had done and how brilliant it looked even without paint. Russell Large, along with apprentices in the Polishing workshop, then got to work spraying each piece individually to make them even more realistic. Cynthia Hewitt from our upholstery and sewing workshop, helped make a chocolate river from material and Graham Cornwell, Upholstery Training Officer, brought to life huge clouds using glue and white foam. Staff from e2e, reception, Skills for Life and Administration teams helped too; it was a real team effort. We worked hard at night painting props and completing outfits, all the time learning the songs from our Willy Wonka CD!
Before we knew it, the trailer was here and it was all hands on deck, stapling, sewing, hanging, painting and gluing; there really was not a moment to waste as the carnival was only one day away. Sasha and I sighed the greatest sound of relief when the float was complete and the curtains were pulled back for the night - although we knew the real work would start in the morning. Arriving at work at 6.15 a.m., at least 20 members of staff came to help with final preparations, blowing up balloons, testing equipment and painting faces! At last we were ready to go. The song ‘The Candyman Can' played as more than 70 people posed for a photo outside the NLTG head office. As we made our way to the Globe Centre, people and cars stopped to stare at the float, pointing and smiling - it was brilliant. The floats lined up ready to be judged, just in time for the bacon sandwiches to be delivered. As the judges approached, we began to sing the oompa loompa song along with the music. Then the procession started. As we dished out sweets and chocolate to the crowds we all prayed the weather would hold out and it did...for a while, but it didn't matter when the rain began to pour, we were having too much fun. Arriving at the Town Hall we could hear the MC begin to announce the results of the procession. We all waited nervously to hear who had won first prize and then he said it, "North Lancs Training Group!" The whole team, along with children, friends and family, cheered as 500 balloons were released from the back of the float into the skyline. We received a cheque for £250, for winning first place, which was donated to the Maundy Relief charity in Accrington. The procession continued through the streets of Accrington finishing, at the Peel Park. The float was soon back at the head office where everyone dismantled the set in a matter of minutes - we were all in a hurry to get to the Peel Park pub for potato pie and peas!
The fun then really began as we headed out of the pub, after lunch, to the field for ‘It's a Knockout'. The field was full of stalls, rides and people enjoying the day but in the centre of it all was the biggest challenge of all. A ‘Bucking Bronco'; bungee run, jigsaw puzzle and more lay in wait for the six teams that had entered into the competition. Chris Lovell, Pete Mulder, Becci Garner, Sasha Johnson, Carlie Woods and Catherine Heys were there to represent NLTG and they had lots of supporters to cheer them on through each task. The crowd yelled as they took part in a Space Hopper relay and were thrown off the wild bronco time and time again. NLTG were through to the semi final and it was time for Pete to win the ‘Sumo Suit Challenge' and push his competitors clear of the ring, which he did with ease! This took NLTG to the final where the decider would be a game of Tug-O-War. The two teams stood ready, rope in hand, waiting for the signal to start pulling. "Go!" The war began, each team pulling as hard as they could, until NLTG pulled the opposition over the line and clinched the victory. The team won a huge trophy and a bottle of champagne to share. The whole day was such a success and was enjoyed by everyone who took part. All the hard work had paid off and it clearly showed that anything can be achieved if you work as a team. We can't wait to see what the theme is in 2011!
