Den Clare
Island Carnival Memories.
Den may be remembered by locals for his shop ‘Den’s Toy Box’ in Regent Street, Shanklin which he ran for about 30 years.
As a well know business owner (who also had a convertible car!) he was approached in the 1980s by a member of the Carnival Committee and asked to drive for Shanklin Carnival.
Den's niece Angela Passmore Shanklin Carnival Queen with two attendants outside Shanklin Theatre on their float 1960s.
Photo belonging to Den Clare.
Den has led Shanklin Carnival now for nearly 40 years - driving the Mayor, local dignitaries and the Carnival Queens. One year he even drove comedy duo Little and Large when they were here playing at Shanklin Theatre! As well as driving Den spent many years judging the Children’s Fancy Dress at Shanklin. Den’s children have all been involved in Shanklin Carnival over the years – his sons when they were in the Scouts and his daughter’s as Carnival Queens. Den is very passionate about and committed to Carnival and keen to see Carnival back after a difficult time during which we have not been able to come together in the usual way….
“I love Shanklin, I love the Island. I think we’re so lucky to live here. It’s a beautiful place…..I love to be involved in things that are going on with the community. That help the community… it’s so lovely to be in a caring community where you are actually doing something towards that community. And that’s why I think Carnivals … I think now with all the rubbish that’s been happening the last couple of years, that we’ve got a wonderful opportunity next year to open up completely. Open the Island up, get Carnivals going again, get kids involved, get schools involved.”
Den talks about being approached to drive the Mayor in his open top car, how he drove the Shanklin Carnival Queens and Little and Large and why Carnival is special.
Den's talks about his daughters as Queens and judging his sons floats when they were in the Cubs.
Den talks the enjoyment the boys got from entering, making their float and earning a badge.
Den remembers when his daughter Emma was Queen and what is involved.
Den talks about how the floats light up and the wonderful atmosphere at nighttime.
Den talks about belonging to the Institute of Advanced Motoring, how he once drove a little too close to the Town Crier and having the band play behind him.
Den describes how Carnival makes people happy, what is was like to be a judge for the children's fancy dress and how it will be nice to see it back up and running soon.
Den's ex-wife Sandra Heath along with two others, selection day for Queens Shanklin Carnival, mid 1960s. Photograph belonging to Den Clare.
Den's ex-wife Sandra Heath selection day for Queens Shanklin Carnival, mid 1960s. Photograph belonging to Den Clare.
Shanklin Carnival Fair at the County Ground c.1960s, Den's ex-wife Sandra is the Queen seated second from the right. Photograph belonging to Den Clare.
Den driving the Mayor Shanklin Carnival Band behind c.1981/2. Photograph belonging to Den Clare.
Den's ex-wife Sandra Heath, Shanklin Carnival Queen, wearng sash and a cape, possibly Rylstone Gardens mid 1960s. Photograph belonging to Den Clare.
Den's daughter Lucy as Shanklin Carnival Junior Princess (front left) 1980. Photograph belonging to Den Clare.
Pete Simmonds Town Crier leading Shanklin Carnival c.1981/2. Photograph belonging to Den Clare.
Den driving Little and Large at Shanklin Carnival. Photograph belonging to Den Clare.
Den's daughter Lucy as Shanklin Carnival Junior Princess 1980. Photograph belonging to Den Clare.
Den driving Shanklin Mayor Shanklin Carnival c.1981/2. Photograph belonging to Den Clare.
Den driving Shanklin Mayor preceeded by Pete Simmonds the Town Crier c1981/2. Photograph belonging to Den Clare.