DESPITE taking place on June 21, 1980, Copythorne Carnival was not met with midsummer weather.

It was the fifth carnival organised by the 2nd Romsey Scout Group which, with more than 150 members, was one of the biggest in Hampshire.

Faced with increasing costs, the group organised the event to raise money for its day-to-day running expenses which were around £2,000 the previous year.

Spectators had to dash for cover between showers during the afternoon when Catherine Ravey was crowned carnival queen.

Catherine was chosen from members of the Guides in the parish and her sister Rebecca, and Vanessa Read were her attendants.

The Scout group’s own band led a dozen floats with themes including Worzel Gummidge and the Olympics along the route through Winsor and Cadnam.