Rob Jones
Island Carnival Memories.
Rob moved to the Island in 1981 to take up a job working at Carisbrooke High School.
Wight Strollers scooters 2019 float.
Photograph belonging to Rob Jones.
Rob and his wife Sue used to take their daughters Sarah and Elisa to watch Sandown Carnival which they always enjoyed and one year when their girls were aged six or seven they entered along with some friends on a float entitled ‘Toy Box’. Rob’s involvement with the Wight Strollers pantomime group began when his daughters joined the group and he became a chaperone – he enjoyed it so much the following year he was on stage himself!
The Wight Strollers entered their first Carnival as a group in 2002 when they borrowed a lorry and decorated it – the theme being “Pantomania” and Rob being dressed in his Babes in the Wood Dame’s costume. Year on year the Strollers entries have become more sophisticated – from the music, to the costumes to the choreography. From clowns, to penguins, to flying machines, to scooters, to zimmer frames – who knows what the Strollers are going to come up with next – it’s always a trade secret until the first Carnival of the season – so watch this space!
Rob remembers his first experience of Carnival on the Island, taking his daughter's to the parade at Sandown.
Rob talks about how he first became involved with the Wight Strollers as a pantomime group through his daughters.
Rob remembers the first Carnivals the Wight Strollers took part in, the first one in being a pantomime theme in 2002.
Rob talks about costuming and themes.
Rob talks about choosing music and the choreography for the Carnival entries.
Rob talks about keeping the costumes secret before the big reveal at the first Carnival and how the crowd react to them and get involved.
Rob talks about community and cameradarie.
Wight Strollers scooters 2019 group Newport. Photograph belonging to Rob Jones.
Wight Strollers scooters 2019 parade. Photograph belonging to Rob Jones.
Wight Strollers scooters 2019 riders on float. Photograph belonging to Rob Jones.
Wight Strollers scooters 2019 Sandown. Photograph belonging to Rob Jones.
Wight Strollers scooters close up riders Newport. Photograph belonging to Rob Jones.