THE carnival of 40 years ago stuck in the memory of Richard Meech – he captured much of it on camera.

He used his uncle’s camera to shoot pictures of the 1971 extravaganza from out of a window at Douglas Read in South Street.

Richard says he remembers the day clearly because it was the same time as the death of his father, Reginald.

“My uncle was down from Croydon and he had, what was at the time, a posh camera.

“I went down to Douglas Read. I hung out of the window taking all these photographs.

“I had never seen crowds milling around like they were at that time.

“It was something totally new for Bridport.”

Richard, 69, who used to work as a programme manager for a subsidiary of Westlands, said it was good that the carnival had carried on going for so long.

He added: “It’s become part of the Bridport calendar. I will probably go along this year.”

It is the 40th anniversary carnival this year and the Bridport Carnival committee want to make it an extra special year.

It is thought that the carnival ran for a short period from 1911 to 1919 but then ended before being resurrected in 1971.

n What memories do you have Bridport Carnival over the years?

Contact Bridport Carnival secretary Linda Moore on <&bh"mailto:lrmoore57@live.co.uk">lrmoore57@ live.co.uk<&eh> and 01308 423510.