Jack is ready to help out the next Town Carnival organiser
THE final Town Carnival organised by the Town Centre Partnership was the best one yet, its chief executive officer said.
Jack Honeybill announced earlier this year that he was to retire come September and the Town Centre Partnership, of which he was chief executive, would fold as well.
TCP-organised events such as the Town Carnival, Harbour Carnival and concerts at Candie Gardens, all of which require another person or group to take them on for them to continue.
‘I’m hopeful someone else will be enthusiastic and take over the events because they create a fantastic atmosphere in Town,’ Mr Honeybill said.
Over the last two weeks 40 local and visiting entertainment acts were dotted through Town as part of the carnival.
‘The atmosphere was great over the fortnight, particularly when Punch & Judy were on. They always attract a big enthusiastic crowd.
‘This year has been the best one ever in terms of volunteers helping out, the talent was stunning as usual and the general public were very generous with their donations in our wandering buckets.’
The carnival cost £50,000 to put on, 80% of which was raised before the event.
Last year, £8,000 was raised throughout the two weeks and this year Mr Honeybill hopes to have achieved that again.
He thanked the volunteers who helped take some of the physical demands of setting up away from himself and the more elderly members of the TCP.
‘Andrew Pouteaux’s team of volunteers from Art of Living were so great, it meant I could concentrate on making sure things ran smoothly and looking after the entertainers – I felt a lot more relaxed throughout.’
He was also grateful to retailers and the Town Church for allowing him to store equipment inside overnight to reduce the amount of heavy lifting and travelling that needed to be done.
One of the most special things about the carnival for Mr Honeybill was seeing the joy it brought to islanders, visitors and the performers who received compliments from the public.
Mr Honeybill said there has been some interest from a couple of people who wanted to take on the role of St Peter Port events organiser.
‘I always write notes about what I’ve done for these events but when I have shown them to people it can dissuade them from getting involved. It’s quite a comprehensive job and I think sometimes people don’t realise quite how much work goes on beforehand, afterwards and behind-the-scenes.’
Whoever takes over will have the continued support and advice of the retired Mr Honeybill should they want it.
