Going Forward With One Club – Southend Torchlight Carnival Saturday 18th August 2007 

The weather may have been a damp squib this last weekend, but thanks to a large contingent from our youth and mini section, a small part of Southend seafront had the sun shining on it.

For the first time, the youth and mini section entered a float kindly into this years Southend Carnival, and in a continuation of the clubs winning ways, we walked away with first prize! 

Based on the up coming Rugby World Cup, the float was decorated in flags of playing nations, banners, rugby paraphernalia and a superb sound and light system. Our youth and mini section were all dressed in rugby kit representing national and international teams and really lifted the whole atmosphere along the route.  

It’s an absolute privilege to be associated with our young players and they all deserve a huge pat on the back for the enthusiasm and joy they gave to those around them on the day. There were too many on board to thank them all personally, but you all know who you are and you can all be proud of your achievement.  

Our float was sponsored by a few local companies, without whom we would never have got the float off of the ground they are;  

Port Express Limited for providing the truck and trailer

Mr Pings Chinese Restaurant, Thorpe Bay for the leaflets

Soyang Limited and Flags and Banners for providing the banners

Leigh Scaffolding for providing the scaffolding.  

Finally I need say a huge thank you to Lee McDowell for being my right hand man, helping to organise and build the float; Phil Braunton for helping to build the float, his experience in organising the float, and acting as head steward on the night, Karen for helping to build the float and take it apart, Linda for stepping in at the last moment to act as a steward, and finally all the mums and dads for all their support on the night.

Thanks to all