The Isle of Wight carnival scene is mourning the death of Cowes Carnival’s Bob Hammond, who sadly passed away last week.
Bob had been a member of Cowes Carnival for decades, dedicating hundreds of hours of his time to organise, build and drive Cowes’ carnival floats each year.
Attention to detail was always given when float building; if he was not happy with how something looked, he would sand it down and repaint it again.
He leaves behind his wife, Lynn, who has over the past year been unwell herself. Bob committed his time to help look after her.
In tributes left by Carnival Comittties around the Island, you can see how much of an unsung hero he was.
Newport Carnival & Community Events Association said on Saturday morning:
“This week the Island’s Carnival Scene lost one of the nicest guys around.
“Bob Hammond was a long serving member, organiser and float builder of Cowes Carnival.
Article continues below this advertisement “Our love and thoughts go to Lynn and all of his Family.
“Thank you Bob for all you have done for the Islands Carnivals over the years. May you now Rest in Peace.
Ventnor Carnival Association sent their condolences along with a photo taken in 2018:
“It’s with great sadness that Bob Hammond from Cowes Carnival has passed away. We send our condolences to Lynn and all the family.
“He was a great guy, built amazing floats and would help any one out. Cowes has lost a great carnival legend we shall all miss him.
“Pictured here having a giggle with our girls in 2018”
Sandown Carnival’s tribute reads:
”We’re very sorry to learn that Bob Hammond, longtime organiser and floatbuilder of Cowes Carnival, has passed away.
“Bob, here driving his Play Your Cards Right float, was one of the Island’s carnival legends and we’ll miss him hugely. Our condolences and thoughts to Lynn and family.
“Rest in Peace Bob.“
