It is with much disappointment that I write this article. I decided to watch the carnival parade from my lounge window having had surgery to my ear in the week. My husband and I were thoroughly enjoying the occasion, the visiting queens and royalty, bands, floats, people in fancy dress were second to none. That is until the float carrying young people stopped outside the house. It was announced that anyone requiring a toilet could visit one of the neighbouring houses. One young man dressed in pale blue shiny shorts decided to use our house instead.
When I knocked on the window he just turned the other way. Additionally several more decided to use the gate (which is not strong) as seating, no response to knocks from me. I eventually went and opened the gate to prevent damage to the gate but also to them.
You may question “is this a fuddy duddy” complaining about young people. I can you and the young people involved that I worked with children and families, also as a nationally qualified youth worker for many years. Never have I been shown such disrespect.
Sadly this is exactly the kind of behaviour that gives our young people a bad name. I do hope that in future years it will be made clear to participants that Tideswell carnival has standards which must be adhered to.
Margaret Mellon, Stonebank, Sherwood Rd