The origins of Yarmouth Carnival have been lost and forgotten but we do know that Rita Hall was possibly one of our first Carnival Queens in 1912 looking remarkably elegant in ermine robes. For many years after the 2nd World War the committee was run by Mrs Hans-Hamilton who was followed by an ever youthful and enthusiastic Bunty Minchin.
Since then committees have come and gone keeping the carnival spirit going and remembering that it is all meant to be fun! Anyone with knowledge of early history please let us know.
Sue Renwick
The Mallishag
A mallishag is the caterpillar of the white butterfly, often found on cabbages. This word, well known on the island as part of the local dialect, according to the English Dialect Dictionary, is also to be found in Gloucestershire, Yorkshire and Hampshire.
"Bwoys is made a purpose to tarment mankind, zame as mallishags and vleys" from 'Reproach of Annesley' by Maxwell Gray 1889.
