By Mal Butler
The family of the late Bob Hammond was moved to tears following a touching tribute paid by the Cowes Illuminated Carnival on Thursday evening.
Bob spent decades of his life helping to build and drive floats in the carnival parade, but sadly passed away at the beginning of February. But as the carnival parade arrived at the top of Victoria Road, it stopped and the Vectis Corps of Drums & Marching Band played Highland Cathedral in his memory.
Watching at the side of the road was his wife, Lynn, and his family. For Lynn, the tears flowed and she said: “I was watching with all my children and the rest of the family and we were all moved to tears by the tribute.
“It was so nice to hear and Bob would have loved it. He was carnival crazy!”
Newport Carnival had a montage of Bob on the back of their float, and Lynn added: “I want to thank everybody who took part, especially Paddy McHugh who organised the Newport float; it was amazing.”
Hundreds of people lined the streets as floats from across the Island took part in the event which was a huge success.
Isle of Wight Observer