Uckfield Carnival

Uckfield Carnival is a traditional community event, on the last Saturday in September, which raises funds for local charities.  The main event is the evening torchlight procession of decorated floats, dancers, marching bands and displays by many of the Sussex bonfire societies in their colourful costumes. It attracts large crowds who line the route around the town.

For all this to happen, a number of roads in the town centre have to be closed in phases and the Air Cadet organisation are responsible for setting up and manning the 14 barrier points as well as placing a number of warning signs.   

An efficient radio communications network is essential to the smooth and safe running of the event and for helping to minimise inconvenience to local residents.
A Comms Control room is established near to the town centre equipped with three base radios, a landline telephone and staffed by members of the ACO.

Two networks cover the North and South sides of the town. An additional channel is allocated to a point-to-point link with the town CCTV control.  A cadet radio operator is stationed at each of the barrier positions which operate under the supervision of an adult member of staff. Up to 24 handheld sets are used in total.

The work starts at 1800 with kit issues and radio checks.  Once the teams are in position, and the parade is ready to leave, the control centre passes issues instructions to close and open barriers as the procession moves along its route.  The priority is always the safety of participants and the public.

During the evening the team members have to deal with requests from the public for access to and from property. This requires tact and courtesy as some people have concerns other than the Carnival - such as how to get to a wedding reception being held at a venue in the town centre!  Where and when it can be safely achieved, additional access may be arranged and in an emergency the police are contacted to provide an escort.  In addition there are frequently requests from members of the public for information and help - ranging from lost children, to the best route to McDonalds - to be dealt with.

For the cadets and staff involved, it is a worthwhile cause that has over the years resulted in not only gaining valuable experience, but receiving many compliments on their good work, efficiency - and communication skills.

Saturday September 1st 2012