Today’s nostalgia comes courtesy of the two little girls in their royal robes.

The picture must have been used before but it just delighted me.

They may be planning or have just finished a wonderful day at the Egremont carnival in 1931. but there is not one bit of excitement on those little faces.Mind you, there weren’t to many smiles for the camera in 1978, either, as people queued up to watch the carnival go past. Judging by their clothing, however, it could just be that the parade was taking too long to get to them on a cold and possibly wet day!

Like many, I can remember the first time we saw coloured photos in the paper - and since I had been a working journalist for about 20 years or more, you can guess that I am no spring chicken! If I recall, the paper I was working for had colour on the front page but most of the inside pictures were still black and white.

Now there is something about black and white photos. Of course they are evocative of another time but they always seem so atmospheric - and sometimes,especially looking at crowds in fancy dress , they look a bit like a feverish dream!

Black and white or colour, however, what these photos prove is that children’s carnivals, which seem unique to Cumbria habe been taking place for a long time.

Children’s carnivals are such a delight and must mean so much to thosewho take part.

Look at that beautiful purple float carrying Nicky Lithgow Whitehaven’s 2005 Carnival Queen.

The questions that spring to mind are: how long did it take to make this float and how many yards of crepe paper was needed? There is also the cost and the making of the gorgeous costumes but what memories the day will create of Nicky, hopefully forthe rest of her life.

So this is probably a good time to say thank you to the carnival committees who make sure these carnivals happen from year to year. Thanks to the judges and to the parents, groups, schools and everyone else who makesour carnivls the amazing events they are!