PhunnMakers troupe receives Leeds Carnival awards

Paula Heyliger, Queen of the Bands

ZIZ News…Oct 8, 2010 – PhunnMakers Mas Camp of St. Kitts and Nevis was the proud recipient of three trophies last Saturday evening 2nd October at the Leeds Carnival Awards presentation, along with a certificate which reads, ” PhunnMakers Mas Camp In appreciation of your invaluable contribution towards participation in the Leeds West Indian Carnival August 2010″ and signed by Mr. Authur France, MBE, the chairman of the Leeds Carnival.

One trophy was given to the troupe overall for its presentation of Flamboyant Pride, while individual trophies were awarded to the Queen of the Bands, Ms. Paula Heyliger and the other to the designer of the Queen costume, Mr William ‘Willie’ Tyrell.

The awards were presented by the Deputy Lord Mayor of Leeds Council who praised PhunnMakers for making such an impact in this year’s event. Ms. Jackie Walker, the UK resident PhunnMaker accepted the awards supported by a large number of Kittitians and Nevisians who were equally proud of this achievement. Jackie was the host of the group which travelled to the UK during the summer and in accepting the awards indicated she was extremely pleased and thankful for the acknowledgement given by the Leeds Carnival Committee to the Phunnmakers Mas Camp.

Jackie Walker accepting awards with Arthur France, Chairman Leeds Carnival	Jackie walker accepting awards with Arthur France and Deputy Lord Major

Thirteen members of the Phunnmakers mas camp travelled to the UK this past summer specifically to perform in the Leeds Carnival, but took time out to do sightseeing in London including the Changing of the Guard Ceremony at Buckingham Palace, a day trip to Beachside at Scarborough and cricket, visit to Tropical Gardens, attending church service at the Roscoe Methodist Church and a reception hosted by the High Commission and the St. Kitts Friendly Society in London.

Phunnmakers Mas camp wishes to thank the following persons for their support in making this trip the success that it was:

• St. Kitts Tourism Authority
• British Airways
• Deputy Prime Minister, Honourable Sam Condor
• Ministry of Culture / St. Kitts and Nevis National Carnival Committee
• Caribbean Cricket Club in Leeds
• Huborn Condor
• Robert Conner
• Eileen Niles
• Haywood Williams
• Esther Smith
• Jackie, Valon and Dosie Walker
• Leeds West Indian Carnival

The group will forever treasure this experience and looks forward to participating in similar activities.

Willie, Designer of Queen costume	PhunnMakers Flamboyant Pride