Rodney and Graham Walmsley
Island Carnival Memories.
Rodney, Graham and their brother Douglas grew up in Shanklin where Carnival was a big part of their childhood.
Easter Carnival Sandown Pier mini van c. mid 1970s.
Photograph belonging to Rodney and Graham Walmsley.
Rodney and Graham started their involvement in Carnival when they were boys in the Cubs. They all joined the Keystone Kops (including their Dad) – Rodney in 1974, followed by Douglas in 1975 and then Graham in 1987.
The Keystone Kops were a Carnival entry formed by the Falcon pub in Shanklin in 1973, Bernie Vaughan being their founder. Their Black Mariah van, full with Kops and Convicts, was a regular feature of nearly every Island Carnival from 1973 to the 2000s. As well as providing so much fun for everyone at Carnival the Kops were also a registered charity that raised many thousands of pounds over the years, mainly for children’s charities. In 1992 Rodney took over as Chairman and Graham had the privilege of driving the van which when not involved in Carnival antics was kept on the Walmsley’s drive in Shanklin.
Listen to Rodney and Graham sharing many happy, funny and naughty memories of their time with the Kops.
Rodney and Graham talk about taking part in Shanklin Carnival when they were boys with the Cubs and Scouts.
Rodney and Graham talk about their parents involvement with Carnival over the years.
Rodney and Graham remember all the activities of Shanklin Carnival Week.
Memories of the different organisations that had a float for Shanklin Carnival, the procession route and the judging at County Ground.
Rodney talks about when he joined in 1974, founder member Bernie Vaughan's dog Duke and being put at the back.
Rodney talks about the founding of the Kops.
Graham and Rodney talk about the Kops Black Mariah van.
Rodney and Graham talk about their busy summer Carnival schedule when they were in the Kops.
Rodney and Graham talk about the Kops costumes and characters.
Rodney and Graham talk about the music the Kops played to keep the crowd entertained.
Rodney and Graham remember sounding the claxon and the convicts jump out!
1973 original members Keystone Kops - Cyril Wells, Derek Wellls, Bernie Vaughan, Daphne and Don Hayles, Steve and Pete Newsham, Richard Jenkins, Motor Morris, John Oakley. Photograph belonging to Rodney and Graham Walmsley.
Shanklin Children's Carnival c.1975 Rodney and Bernie Vaughan. Photograph belonging to Rodney and Graham Walmsley.
Graham holding the baton, Sandown Carnival, 1988. Photograph belonging to Rodney and Graham Walmsley.
Keystone Kops at St Helens Carnival c.1978 Rodney on left. Photograph belonging to Rodney and Graham Walmsley.
St Helens Carnival 1978. Photograph belonging to Rodney and Graham Walmsley.
Telethon event 1980s. Kops with Duke the dog, Graham as Miss Dibble, Douglas and Rodney present. Photograph belonging to Rodney and Graham Walmsley.
Top of the van Sandown High Street, Charles and Diana's wedding 1981, dummy on top. Photograph belonging to Rodney and Graham Walmsley.
First Wheelbarrow Race 1989 outside Shanklin Liberal Club. Photograph belonging to Rodney and Graham Walmsley.
Wheelbarrow Boxing Day collection with the Ryde Buccaneers 1991. Photograph belonging to Rodney and Graham Walmsley.
Rodney and John Elliott with Mayor Joy Wenman in 1992 the year the Kops held their own Carnival. Photograph belonging to Rodney and Graham Walmsley.
Kops 2nd van breaks down 1992. Photograph belonging to Rodney and Graham Walmsley.