'She was a pioneer and the townsfolk really took her to their hearts' - memories and tributes to former Kenilworth Carnival Queen who has died aged 92

Tributes have been paid to a former Kenilworth Carnival Queen who has died at the age of 92.

Patsy Bell (Patsy Wheeler as was) passed away in what would have been carnival week.

Kenilworth historian Robin Leach has written a tribute piece to Patsy who he met a number of times. He has also written about her carnival in one of his books, describing the the 1947 carnival was an extraordinary affair, complete with a Military Tattoo with aircraft flying over being fired at by anti-aircraft guns!

Here is his tribute to her:

Patsy Bell, 1928 - 2020

In this Carnival week, it is with much sadness that I have been asked to announce that Kenilworth’s 1947 Carnival Queen, Patsy Bell, Patsy Wheeler as was, has died at the age of 92.

This first post-war carnival, 73 years ago this Sunday, June 28, without doubt the finest the town has ever staged, was held at a time of great hope, optimism and enthusiasm for an improved and more joyous future, and 19-year-old Patsy’s effervescent personality fitted the occasion perfectly.

She was chosen from an entry of 16; ‘None could have been more popular than Miss Patsy Wheeler’.

Patsy attended as many Carnival events as possible - the swimming gala, motor cycle football, midnight soiree at the Alexandra Cinema, the Carnival Ball, and the incredible Military Tattoo at Kenilworth Cricket Ground featuring no fewer than 11 units from the services.

Remarkably, there is a colour film of the 1947 carnival, of Patsy as Queen on the day, giving prizes at the swimming gala, enjoying herself at the fair, at the tattoo, and in virtually every shot she is talking and chatting and laughing, enjoying the company of those around her. From knowing her in her later days, I think I can say that never changed.

Patsy recalled: "I remember being Queen as a very busy and happy time; there were so many events. The Carnival Ball was like magic with so many people packed inside with dancing, cabaret and a buffet. So much work and effort was put in by so many folk."

A later Carnival Committee chairman was to recall: "She was a pioneer; it was the first carnival for eight years, so soon after the war when everything had been drab and cheerless. Townsfolk really took her to their hearts, and people still reminisce about her."

The Carnival was for Kenilworth’s British Legion funds, hoping for a new headquarters after The Globe was destroyed in 1940. It was not until 1972 that the Legion finally found a new home in Albion Street; the refit was paid for by the 25-year-old carnival proceeds, and when it opened, the ceremony could of course only be performed by their still-popular Queen.

‘Her’ Carnival Ball was held in the Abbey Hotel Ballroom, and Patsy told me of a night in that same ballroom, a couple of years previously, when the Marx brothers were staying at the hotel. She spent several hours in the solo company of Chico, playing duets on the ballroom piano and singing and dancing; she arrived home at gone three in the morning.

On one occasion Patsy invited me round by phone; I explained that I would have to change first as I was only wearing shorts; her answer was an excited, ‘Oh Wacko!! Come as you are!!’

She was 85 at the time.

The Patsy I knew in recent years was still very recognisable as the popular, bubbly teenager in the carnival film.

Such fond memories of such a delightful lady.

Farewell Patsy; I can’t imagine anyone you ever knew, could ever forget you.

(With sincere condolences to Jack, Patsy’s husband, who asked me to write this small tribute to his wife)