What a hardy bunch the good folk of Lowestoft are!
Today's Lowestoft Carnival certainly tested everyones endurance, stamina and good old British stocism.
The weather wasn't too bad as all the entrants started forming up in Kirkley Park Road soon after 12:30.
More by luck than judgement, Wendy had some how got our thebestof Lowestoft Mini almost to the front of the Carnival procession.
With the wind starting to whip up our nicely made red, white and blue arch of balloons suddenly became a complete tangle and a single multi-coloured blob!
And with minutes to the 2:00pm off the drops of rain began to fall and nervous glances were exchanged... Thoughts turned to whether we were in for a right Royal soaking!
We headed off just behind the old London bus carrying the Mayor and his party in relative comfort - that means it was probably a darn sight warmer than outside!
Ahead of the Mayor was our Lowestoft Olympic hero, Anthony Ogogo flanked by our local Olympic Torch Bearers
Turning into London Road South we worked the crowds handing out our flags and getting donations into our buckets.
The procession was moving along at a cracking pace, leaving me behind at times as I chatted with the crowds. A quick jog back to the Mini for more flags and off again.
As we crossed Lowestoft's Bascule Bridge we came to a halt and were forced to endure strong gusts of wind and horizontal rain! Paul Peek, from Peek Photography, sheltering on the Mayor's bus took great delight in snapping away at my discomfort!!
The crowds were probably at their deepest around by Lowestoft Railway Station but there had been plenty of gaps as many probably felt the comfort of a warm home more preferable to a wind-swept Lowestoft Carnival parade.
But everyone enjoyed themselves. Yes, we got wet and we all got cold but it was a fitting way for Lowestoft to celebrate what has been an absolutely brilliant year - Jubilee and the Olympics.
Hopefully Lowestoft Carnival will be back again in 2013. If it is, count us in!
