‘Pane e Coriandoli’, the carnival celebrations at Ponte di Serraglio last Sunday, was a great success. Turnout was excellent and participants of all ages had lots of fun.

(The casinò with, in front, a view of the river Lima)

The organiser, Roberto Lucchesi, included a photographic exhibition showing his previous incarnation as entertainments manager at a Casinò on the Romagna seaside.

Looking at the photographs I could not help being reminded of ‘Hi De Hi’, that terrific BBC 1980’s sitcom centred in a holiday camp. I felt that Roberto was truly Italy’s equivalent of Ted Bovis, alias Paul Shane.

(Paul Shane)

Some great photographs of the event were taken by Valerio Ceccarelli (see https://www.facebook.com/LIRIO1951/media_set?set=a.10210612753655766.1073742478.1254939924&type=3&pnref=story ) so I’ll just fill in the picture with the following:

(A great welcome to everyone)

(Sorting out lottery tickets)

(Face painting)

(Food and (soft) drinks ad lib)

The objective of collecting food for the needy of Bagni di Lucca was fully achieved.

(Collectors Gemma and Gino)

In case, you’re wondering who is needy and who is not, all people below a certain annual income and suffering from a much reduced quality of life qualify for a special document and it is only to these people that supplies are distributed.