One of the hazards of being a bearer of that sphinx was the fact that not only were the streets of Bergen
cobbled, there were also tramlines within which you could easily trap your feet. For this parade we were
wearing nothing more than flip-flops or open sandals, so it was lucky that no-one sprained their ankles.
By this time in her career, Caronia's annual parades were well known to the locals of Bergen. They would
join into the spirit of things. I imagine that the “Green Goddess” parades were soon missed
as an annual event in the city.
[Right:]
Photo Ref: RB16
Sandringham's “Cleopatra” with “hand-maiden” pose after arrival at the football ground.
George Peterson writes…
The handmaiden's LGBT “camp” name was Alice, who worked in the Engineers mess and
accommodation. Cleopatra's “camp” name was Pagan [from Portugal] who also worked in the Engineers dept.
Unfortunately, we did not know their real names but, as you know, we always called them by their camp names.
Arriving at the Ground
The Sphinx heads the parade into the Football Ground
[Photo: Peter Stevens Collection]NavBar
LGBT
Built on wooden pallets strung together on two long poles, that Sphinx was no light-weight, and it was a long way to
the football ground! So, we worked in shifts to carry this monster. If you're wondering where I am in all this, well
I'm the front bearer on the far side.
…and you thought the New Zealand Rugby Team were scary?
Photo Ref: WBCup64a
The 1964 Sandringham Dynamos Warriors
[Photo: Peter Stevens Collection]
The 1964 Balmoral Rangers
Photo Ref: KD01
The 1964 Balmoral Rangers Football Team
[Photo: Caronia - Courtesy of Keith Dodson]
I'm informed by Keith Dodson that the 1964 match was won by the Balmoral team. He was, incidentally,
a member of the Caronia football team which got
thrashed 10-1 in Alexandria. So, far I've received 3 reports where the match score has been
recorded as 8-1, 10-1 and 12-1 - well, I guess that a thrashing is a thrashing, whatever the score!
Can you add more information or identify anyone depicted here?
If so, do please get in touch!
