A Busy Weekend For The DCAL Girls

A very busy weekend for the DCAL girls saw them handing out leaflets for the British Heart Foundation in Dover, whose two local premises provide quality household goods and furniture at reasonable prices with revenues going to research heart disease. During the leaflet drop the girls took a short break in Market Square and were thrilled to see the fountain back in action.

The day began at local toy store Gamley's where Manager, David Britnell, donated a fantastic raffle prize to help raise funds for DCAL and Dover carnival. Dover Rosebud, Jorja Sehmbi, happily accepted the donation on behalf of DCAL.

En route to the British Heart Foundation in Castle Street, the DCAL Junior Court of Junior Miss Dover Jessica Lorenz and her two Princesses, Jordan Sehmbi and Hannah Yearley stopped to receive some words of encouragement from local MP Gwyn Prosser.

Shortly after meeting Gwyn the team stopped by to wish the local firemen, who were displaying their kayaking equipment ahead of their adventure, good luck.

On Sunday, the DCAL team led by Miss Dover, Cloe Atkins, went over to the Burstin Hotel in Folkestone to support two ex-DCAL Princesses, Aimee Ward and Alena Gurung, who were competing for places on this year's Euroregion Team England. A very happy Alena was elected to Team England.

With Dover carnival on Saturday July 7th rapidly approaching DCAL Director Sid Perkins said: "The new Courts have already attended almost 20 events and are beginning to realise the scale of commitment required of DCAL Court members. We like our Court members to attend as many events as possible before carnival as it helps them to overcome nerves, understand how to behave in public and, most importantly, learn how to work as a team for Dover".

This year's carnival will again surprise and delight those who come out to watch. International confectioners, Haribo, made a significant contribution to the success of Dover carnival this year by donating over 500 bags of sweets for the children of Dover. Going back to the traditional route for Dover carnival will hopefully enable DCAL to give them all out. In addition to seeing a new marching band from Essex, this year Dover residents will also be able to enjoy excerpts from Blackfish Academy of one of their fabulous productions in Pencester Gardens. The start time is to be confirmed.

DCAL Director Sid Perkins said: "The involvement of Haribo and Blackfish Academy, plus a marching band not seen in Dover carnival before would be great news on it's own, but we are also negotiating with a national organisation for them to provide street entertainment on carnival day. The logistics require some work still but, in principle everything is agreed. I am certain this year's Dover carnival on July 7th will be a day to remember and those in the town centre on carnival day before the parade arrives will be very well entertained."

On a final note, because of the Tour de France whizzing through Kent on our carnival day, DCAL is looking for volunteers, over the age of 16, to help with marshalling. If you are interested visit their website at www.dovercarnival.co.uk and use the "Contact Us" facility.