Old Windsor Brownies fairy tale float ©Windsor ExpressOld Windsor Carnival 2014 started with the 48^th donkey derby on Friday 5\6^th June and ended with Old Windsor’s Got Talent on Sunday 8^th June. In between were fireworks, the funfair and fairy tale themed floats. The Old Windsor Brownies won best float with their “Ugly Duckling.”

Hunts Racing Donkeys Ltd. provided the racing animals, which seemed surprisingly comfortable with running, particularly when they succeeded in throwing their small riders, which was quite often. I like donkeys. They look like they don’t care, which seems about right to me. Some riders managed to speed up their donkeys by gripping their hind fur. That didn’t seem right.

riderless donkey winning a race

Six donkeys ran in nine races. They had names like “Where’s My Shed?” “Prince Stud Muffin,” and “Let’s Get Wasted.” I bet £1 on Eeyore in Race 8. Well done, Eeyore, for winning me $3.20, which I then spent on a cup of tea, and a ride on the dodgems. This didn’t feel quite as exciting as it had done when I was 14.

I only caught the last two acts of Old Windsor’s Got Talent. Three girls sang ”Jar of Hearts.” Then three tiny girls sang Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, ending with a big sister informing the audience that her little sister “doesn’t really know how to sing it.” Each contestant received lollipops from the dentist.

Winner of Old Windsor's Got Talent Carnival Queen and Attendant

The VC Polo Classic at Liberty Island on May 31^st was all about the Veuve Clicquot. On entering, we were each given wristbands with five tickets entitling us to purchase either a bottle or five glasses of champagne during the afternoon. We quickly got through our bottles of Yellow Label, while the connoisseurs forked out $275 a bottle for La Grande Dame.

Designer, Lily Kubota, created two of her unique fascinators for the event. There is something about tiny hats that cheers people up. Nacho Figeuras also seems to make people happy, judging by how many people were yelling his name during and after the match.

Hilario Figeuras at half time

During half time the audience rushed to tread divots and seek a glimpse of attending celebrities. Since none were visible, and Nacho and Hilerio Figueras were too busy to pose, one of the champagne servers got a stream of requests for photographs.

Reigning champions, Black Watch beat the Veuve Clicquot team. Nacho Figueras took the prize for most goals (6). Figeuras’ 14-year-old son, Hilario, also scored 5 goals.

Lechuga the horse, won a prize for being a good horse or something.