It's not goodbye, it's just au revoir

The Bradda Dads 2010 Annual General Meeting This year two founding members of Bradda Dads have decided to retire after each serving more than ten years. Thanks to Paul 'Kodge' Karlsons and Richard 'Corky' Houchin who over the years have both given a lot of their spare time and expertise for the benefit of Bradwell. We wish them well and hope they both will remain social members of Bradda Dads. Malcolm Sowerby too has decided to call it a day. Malcolm joined Bradda Dads a few years ago and has generously given up his spare time, diesel, tractor and trailers for many of the events that Bradda Dads undertake. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to you Malc and you appear to have aged a lot since joining up - must be something to do with all those 'birthdays' you had. I'm surprised nobody sussed out that you had multiple 'birthdays' each year. Malcolm was also the Chairman in his final year at a time when finding someone to replace Mike Thompson was proving difficult, so thanks for fulfilling the post. Who will ever forget the guest appearance of 'The Stig....' As with all the 'Dads, we'd be nothing without the support of our wives, so thanks to Julie, Viv and Lorraine. The new officers for 2010 are Lee Bradbury, Chairman and Martin Riley, Secretary who replaces John Boyle who has done a great job. Darren decided to stay on another year as treasurer, thanks Darren. We welcome new member Steve Turner. Malcolm thanks incoming secretary, Martin Riley Out with the 'old' (figure of speech Malc) and in with the new, Lee Bradbury, Chairman for 2010-2011 John Boyle retires as secretary Kodge retires after more than 10 years loyal service to the village of Bradwell. Unfortunately Corky was unable to attend the meeting due to work commitments.

Eyam Carnival - Winners in two categories!

The Mick Dawson Cup for Best Comic Entry in Carnival

The Castle Gate Cup for Best Overall Entry in Carnival

For the very first time we took the float used at Bradwell carnival to Eyam carnival. There was a very good turn out of other floats including a charity float all the way from Leicester and it was nice to see the White Hart float. A large crowd enjoyed many performances of the Bradda Dads dance. We won two cups, one for the best comic entry in carnival and another for best overall entry in carnival. Well done again to all concerned.

Happy birthday Ben Ollerenshaw and not forgetting Malcolm of course. It was his birthday again, apparently!

This video clip shows part of the main dance, plus Nellie the Elephant that wasn't shown on the Bradwell Carnival video. Enjoy!

Carnival 2010 - Duck Race Results

Carnival Duck Race - 2 August 2010

A very dry summer meant a serious lack of water in the brook for this year's Carnival duck race. Despite putting in the usual temporary dam, there was insufficient flow to build up any decent head of water. To the rescue came the Bradwell fire engine without which there wouldn't have been a duck race. We are extremely grateful to John Millen and crew for coming to our assistance.

Despite the difficulties a large crowd gathered to watch a duck race with a difference. We really appreciate the support of the village and also to the many visitors who bought duck tickets.

Even though a temporary dam was in place there was very little water flow owing to the very dry summer

It's time for the ducks bi-annual trip down the brook......we hope!

Lee, Kodge and Fudge - wellies not really required

Very little water flow means the ducks aren't going anywhere in a hurry

Assistance is provided in the shape of the Bradwell fire engine

And they're off

Further assistance is provided to get the ducks moving



The 'Dads eagerly await the arrival of the winning ducks. A slightly shortened course because of the lack of water

Bradda Dads vs Bradda Lads Carnival Football Match

Bradda Dads 2 - Bradda Lads 0

After years of nil-nil and 1-1 draws, Bradda Dads finally won a Carnival football match, despite playing a team with youngsters in it! Fudge played a blinder, even if the goals came off body parts other than his feet - they all count Fudge. Some new blood in the team helped.


The victorious team (left to right) Martin Riley, Mick Archer, Paul Tanfield, Nigel Ollerenshaw, Steve Lawson, Paul Karlsons and Darren Pembleton.

Bradwell Carnival - 31 July 2010

Bradda Dads Circus Float wins First Prize for Best Float
(click any image to enlarge, see video at the end)

Mike and Chris applying face paint

Neal seems to have grown a bit!


The gang


Unicycle Darren

Rug, Tanny and Martin's first carnival with Bradda Dads acknowledged - nice coconuts lads.

Malcolm and his dogs and ducks

Dance video, there is sound to this as well, oh and the balloons do move out of the way!