Royal Success – Carnival Queen lands part in top TV series

Sofia Meadowcroft, aged 13, who holds the position of Milnrow, Newhey and District Carnival Queen, will soon be seen on the hit TV series ‘Waterloo Road’

Sofia Meadowcroft, aged 13, who holds the position of Milnrow, Newhey and District Carnival Queen, will soon be seen on the hit TV series ‘Waterloo Road’.

Sofia landed the role as an extra, playing a student at the unruly school - set in Rochdale, in an episode to be screened soon on BBC1 and hopes this role may lead to further television appearances in the future.

Sofia said: "I was really excited to be on ‘Waterloo Road’ and will be watching out to spot myself when the episode airs. I’m hoping they’ll ask me to work with them in the future. I’m not shy, but my confidence has definitely been lifted after being crowned a Carnival Queen. We’ve been helping to sell duck key-rings for this year’s Duck Race and are looking forward to the Carnival, especially now it’s just two weeks away.”

Sofia, along with Carnival Princess Jade Beresford aged 11, can be seen at the Milnrow, Newhey and District Carnival parade on 5 June 2010, and afterwards at Hollingworth Business and Enterprise College on Cornfield Street.

This year’s procession, featuring Milnrow’s United Co-op Band, the Oldham Scottish Pipe Band and Rochdale Intermediate Youth Band, will begin at 1.00pm from Haugh Lane in Newhey. The parade will journey along Huddersfield Road and Newhey Road to the school, where there will be music, a fairground, a children’s magician, refreshments, displays, morris dancing, tombolas, a human fruit machine, a hoopla, plus lots of other stalls and fun activities.

Carnival Committee Chairman, Mr. Paul Kettle speaks of the sharing nature of the event and allays any concerns: “The Carnival unites our whole community. It’s an opportunity for local groups, businesses and organisations to showcase what they do, get dressed up, and show just how creative they can be. Any group that has considered entering, but is worried about ‘red-tape’ or health and safety issues needn’t be concerned. The event is fully insured and the crowds and participants are monitored by the police and volunteers on the day.”

Each year a Duck Race helps to support the Milnrow, Newhey and Districts Carnival, when local residents wager £1 to support the plastic duck that corresponds to the number on their key ring. This year’s Duck Race first prize is £50. There will also be five runner-up prizes and a booby prize for the last duck past the finish line on 6 June.

Any groups/businesses wishing to help to raise funds, donate a prize, enter the parade, or have their own stall/activity on the day are asked to contact the Carnival Secretary on 01706 649 730 or email robertjhardy@live.co.uk. Individuals wishing to get involved or join the committee please also contact the above.