Freda: Littlehampton's perpetual carnival queen

Freda Hughes is president of Littlehampton Carnival Committee, and has helped organise the event since its inception, in its current form, 35 years ago.

Modestly she said: "I could not do what I do without the committee, who are wonderful, and work so hard to make sure that we have a carnival each year.

"I just sit at the computer and answer phone calls, the others are the ones who are out and about, almost every weekend, fundraising."

Freda was presented with the Spirit FM West Sussex Lifetime Dedication Award, at a ceremony held at Avisford Park Hotel, Arundel, last week.

She said that the idea to relaunch Littlehampton's carnival, which had been stopped by former organisers, the Littlehampton Rotary Club about three years previously, came in 1973.

"I remember in one the early years, we had a five-a-side football competition, which the fire brigade took part in, dressed as St Trinian's."Half-way through, they got a call-out, and had to rush off in their costumes!"

The carnival committee work tirelessly throughout the year, to raise the bulk of the estimated 12,000 it takes to stage the event.

Freda said: "Some times I think I have had enough of this, but the committee is like a little family, and I would be lost without them."

Sarah Abbiss, member of the committee, moved the onus back on to Freda.

"She never takes credit, but if it wasn't for Freda there would not be a carnival."

GET INVOLVED

Upcoming fundraising events, for Littlehampton Carnival 2009, include a race night at The Trades and Labour Club, Wick Street, Wick on October 18 at 7.30pm, and a charity auction at Barques Bar and Restaurant, in Clifton Road, Littlehampton, on November 7 from 6pm.

For tickets to the race night, priced at 3.50, call the club on 01903 716634.

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