Thora H Dumbell nee Thomas or “Aunty Thora” as she’s
affectionately called and Barry Franceschi at a recent
function at President’s House in St Ann’s, Port-of-Spain.

Thora H Dumbell nee Thomas or “Aunty Thora” as she’s affectionately called and Barry Franceschi are considered judges extraordinaire in the field of Children’s Carnival, according to the Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross Society. Aunty Thora, born on January 12, 1924, started her dance career at the tender age of three with a charitable performance at Government House. Similarly, Franceschi, who was born on the February 27, 1940, at New Street in Port-of-Spain, and whose birthday falls on Carnival Monday every 11 years, got involved in Carnival from the age of five. Aunty Thora reflected on the good old days of Colonel John D Briggs, director of the Northern Branch of the Society, who recruited people like Joe D’Arcy, Wyn Hobson, Ray D’Abadie, June D’Abadie, Florrie Kelshall, Simeon Hoyte and the late Aubrey Adams.

It was Adams who later recruited June Gonsalves, Margaret Osborne, Hugh Luces, Freddie Bolai, Bob Head and Mavis Roodhal amongst others to be part of the show, known back in 1958 as Aubrey Adams presents The Children’s Carnival, and now dubbed the Greatest Show on Earth—the Red Cross Children’s Carnival. Franceschi became head judge for the show in 1967, and only stepped down this year. He vividly remembers being judge for the Country Club in 1966, and also for Holy Name Convent, Bishop’s, Jaycee Women’s League and Flying Fish. Today the Red Cross is the only show that’s still standing. Franceschi claimed that in all his years in the business, they never gave a bad decision; the people and the promoters were always pleased with the results.

He recalled the many bands that paraded the Queen’s Park Savannah for the show and the long hours spent judging. Franceschi described the show back then as being “packed,” while Aunty Thora noted that it was mostly locals in the audience and wished for the return of the people. She would like to see the stature of the show lifted, because she stressed that the costumes are good, and even from the days of Lady Hobson in 1958, who personally coordinated the prizes, the Red Cross has always provided fantastic prizes for winners. Auty Thora and Franceschi have known each other for over 50 years, and both share a wealth of experience as judges of the arts, dance co-ordinators, performers, accomplished pianists, fund-raisers, artiste and architectural designers to name a few. Aunty Thora even appeared in two movies. Asked about their disappointing moments as judges, Aunty Thora remembered having a conversation with a fellow judge at a particular show who was unable to control his emotions and threw tantrums and shouted instead of discussing things. Franceschi said judging was not easy, “especially if there’s only six prizes for 40 contestants.”

He also spoke about top officials wanting to sway decisions due to political influences and band leaders trying to provoke the judges. What he said he appreciated was the fact that the Red Cross Children’s Carnival system is not influenced by these groups. As to how they did it year after year, Franceschi revealed a little of his mastery—with six judges all at work, two groupings of three, he pondered on the little notes that all add up. As head judge, he has developed an experienced eye for charisma, the child’s ability to play or portray the mas and enjoy it, the Carnival spirit and a few other criterias. And he’s willing to advise new judges on these things. Both Auty Thora and Franceschi thanked the Red Cross for the years of dedicated service and contribution to the country, but their message to the committee was to focus on the positives, reveal to the general public the workings of the Red Cross, and encourage more people to come into the organisation.
Aunty Thora, quoting the motto from her biography, said, “Teach me I forget, show me I remember, involve me I understand.”