CARNIVAL day in Southampton was always an exciting time in many communities in years gone by and the youngsters who lived in and around Magnolia Road in Bitterne were no exception.

Streets, clubs and organisations would each year enter a decorated float on the back of a lorry and competition for the different prizes and trophies was keen.

It was in the late 1930s, just before the start of the Second World War, that a six-year-old girl, Sylvia Watts, joined a group of her friends on a carnival entry that depicted a flower garden.

"We entered the float, which was organised by a Mrs Veal who lived in Magnolia Road, two years running in the carnival,'' said Sylvia, whose married name is now Salter, and who now also lives in the same road.

"The photograph was taken either in 1937 or 1938 and I am the third little girl from the left. My sister is also there and so are Mrs Veal's two daughters.''

Sylvia was also interested in Hampshire Heritage's recent feature on the men who helped construct Southampton's Sports Centre.

"My father was Alfred Watts, who once went to sea on the liner Mauretania, and he was given a new pair of boots when he started work on the Sports Centre,'' recalls Sylvia.