Bridgwater Carnival

Tuesday November 3, 2015

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WHAT’S ON Fun weekend for everyone LIKE everyone in Somerset and beyond, The Bridgwater Mercury is looking forward to the carnival which promises to be blessed by good weather.

Inside our preview edition of the paper there’s lots to whet the appetite.

CARNIVAL COUNTDOWN

Inside the eightpage guide:

n Welcome and introduction n Dig deep for charity n What to expect this year n Timetable of events n Fireworks, masks, lanterns and squibbing n Map of the route n Road closures and transport n Club preview n Back in the day n Traditions of the carnival

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er 3, 2015

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TOP CO WORRIEPS’S ON CRIM PROBLEMES

By Harry Mottra

m 01823 365029 harry.mottram@ nqsw.co.uk

Howeve

r, he rale was low said although police BRIDGWATER moit was now the force would police are changing staffed, have and be back to had low morale underas he was full strength losing the “fighting a and are war staff number battle to increase These were on drugs. s”.

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A plan had to report to d that it was importa been the council nt put into action combat what aware of to the problem so they were nual increase he described was ers in the s facing offican anin shop lifting town. thieves stealing caused by “I have taken presents rather than over a years ago buying them. for Christmas were 12 is team that two REPORT: Sgt Brian “We have currently officers, but Edwards a current eight er, now (due Sydenham issue around Kingsdown, sues), it’s four. to staffing estate over Stockmoor is- So you plied from drugs being the and “That means can appreci ate, it is not Hamp. councillors. outside,” Sgt Edward supfor instance “We one officer s told to police Sydenha there is one have three off long-ter easy.

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DOING BRILLIAN TLY: Harrison

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MEET the miracle Bridgwa tling back ter twins who to are bata half monthsfull health after being born three The parents early. and ken of their of brave Mia and Harriso n have come the oddsrelief after the pair continue to spoto flourish over.

FULL STORY:

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BRIDGWATER GUY FAWKES CARNIVAL 2015 PREVIEW

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BRIDGWATER GUY FAWKES CARNIVAL 2015 PREVIEW

A spectacular Saturday night

n Pictured with the children of St Mary’s Primary School in Bridgwater and their carnival masks is the President of the Carnival Rita Jones and committee member Chris Hocking

AT LAST it’s here: Bridgwater’s amazing Guy Fawkes Carnival 2015. The last light bulbs have been screwed into place, the last nails have been hammered into place and the performers have been rehearsing night after night.

Across the town and in villages and communities across Somerset has come the sound of preparations as the carnival clubs have worked feverishly to ensure it’s a a huge success.

Speaking to The Mercury, the president of the carnival Rita Jones said she felt enormous pride in welcoming visitors to the town for the event.

She has worked tirelessly over the last few weeks helping to promote the procession but also all the associated events, and the Carnival Centre by the Town Hall which Rita has brought to life with her colleagues to display some amazing old photos of carnivals from the past and costumes dating back decades.

On the night the organisers appeal to the public for financial support, so dig deep and make sure you give lots of money to the charity collectors.

At least £1 per person will go a long way, but more would be appreciated for such a spectacular show.

Every year the Carnival Concerts in October start the countdown to the procession with two weeks of West End style entertainment where all the clubs put on a show.

Schools have embraced the season this year with mask making, lantern and cart construction, a writing competition and the mass dance display amongst many other activities.

The night before is not to be missed: with a lantern parade and a firework display that will get the party started.

So check out the route, find your spot and above all arrive early for the spectacular night this Saturday that is The Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival.

n Gremlins at the Bridgwater Carnival Concerts 2015

Carnival supporting numerous charities WITH people flooding in from all over to enjoy the spectacular sights and sounds, it’s not difficult to see why Bridgwater Carnival is well and truly on the map.

A huge schedule of events has been planned, and although having fun and supporting each club is key, it is important to remember the charitable side of proceedings.

Collectors will be out in force during the weekend to raise as much needed cash as possible for the registered Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival charity.

Alongside this, many other local groups and charities benefit from the event and are being supported by both organisers and residents of the town.

This year, the charities that are being supported

are: Mobile Chemotherapy Unit Somerset ‘Bumble’, Taunton Association for the Homeless, Young Musical Theatre Company, Bridgwater Hospital League of Friends, Bridgwater Rotary Club, Cancer Research UK, Elliot’s Touch, Robert Blake Science College, Bridgwater Lions, Compass Disability Services, Sea Cadets, RNLI, Ron Peberdy Cyberknife Trust, British Red Cross, Scotty’s Little Soldiers, Mencap, Hidden Needs Trust, Marie Curie, BT Volunteers, Irish Retriever Rescue, Rhode Lane Wanderers, JFC, Bridgwater and Albion RFC Youth Rugby, Old Morganians RFC Youth and North Petherton Youth Rugby Club.

Please donate any spare pennies you have and help the local groups.

n Charity fundraiser Sylvia Roper with Colin Lye and dog Monty at last year’s Bridgwater Carnival

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BRIDGWATER GUY FAWKES CARNIVAL 2015 PREVIEW

More than just the procession THE carnival isn’t just about the procession. This year there’s a day of activity on Saturday with dancing, activities, live music and much more. So make the most of it and arrive in the morning for a day and a night of entertainment.

Taking to the stage at the Cornhill there’ll be live entertainment from 10.30am with Harry Winchester followed by Molly and the Kings, Jordan Hill and Flossy & Boo’s Curiosity Shop at lunchtime.

That’s followed by Snog, Ashley Quinn, Molly and the Kings and Two Tone at around three o’clock.There’s more music from the King B Blues Brothers and Snog as it gets dark and the carnival approaches.

Live in Angel Place Shopping Centre is another set of free entertainment including a performance from a mass choir at 10am with face painting, a oneman band, a magician and lots more besides to keep the children happy.

Meanwhile in the High Street there’s another stage with music and action from the likes of Flossy & Boo’s Curiosity Shop Bang On! and students from the Bridgwater College Performing Arts taking your through to the evening. The High Street is also the scene for performances from Chameleon Battonettes from 10.40am, the Somerset Sapphires, Nathaniel Howell, comedy

n Squibbing taking place Bridgwater Carnival

Explosive sight of squibs CARNIVAL: the procession starts at 7pm, but don’t miss the daytime activities from Matthew Barnard, Batala Portsmouth and Samba Galez through to the evening.

Don’t miss the Children’s Dancing Parade at 2.15pm and the Children’s Lantern Parade at 3.45pm in the gathering gloom of a November evening.

There’s more music at St Mary’s Church from noon featuring The Wells City Band and Somerset Songbirds Choir from 14.15 to 14.45.

Children will love appearances in town from Malcolm the Magician, Polly Pilgrim the Pirate, and the Harlequin Stiltwalker throughout the day.

Then there’s the procession itself, which begins at 7pm and continues until 10.30pm. If that wasn’t enough there’s the finale of the Grand Squibbing Display at 10.45pm in the High Street. By then you’ll be ready for bed – or maybe one last drink.

Fireworks to go with a bang THE Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival weekend celebrations are set to go off with a bang at the grand firework display.

The glittering display is taking place on Friday at 7.30pm, with the build up beginning at 3pm, the day before the procession.

Family entertainment and fairground rides are to be enjoyed in St Matthew’s Field, with town school children playing their part with a lantern parade before the display begins.

Leading this parade will be a willow figure of Guy Fawkes, made by Somerset Willow Company, which will be ceremonially lit at the start of the firework display by Rita Jones, president of Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival. The figure is 14 feet tall, contains 11,556 strands of willow and took two-and-a-half weeks to weave.

Bridgwater mayor Leigh Redman said: “The carnival celebrations show Bridgwater at its very best, and the town council are happy to sponsor the fireworks display once again. Carnival attracts many people into the town and brings much business to the economy, and it is an event we are all extremely proud of.”

Councillor Anne Fraser, portfolio holder for eco-

nomic growth at Sedgemoor District Council, said: “Once again, Sedgemoor District Council is delighted to support this event which brings many visitors and local people into the town for the annual carnival.”

Dave Stokes, publicity officer for Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival, said: “It is terrific news that Bridgwater Town Council is once again sponsoring this year’s fireworks display, and it will get the town in the mood for what is to come the following night.

“If it wasn’t for help we receive from local authorities, organisations and companies, our carnival would not be as popular as it is.”

When you first hear the word squibbing you may think: what’s that?

In Bridgwater squibbing is an ancient tradition with its roots in the Gun Powder Plot in the 17th century. Then fireworks were let off in the street and for generations there was something of a free for all with explosions across the town.

By the late 19th century the excesses of fire and explosive materials were formalised into squibbing after the carnival is over.

To see 150 squibs lit at the same time and held aloft by the squibbers is something not to be missed. Make sure that you’re in the High Street at 10.45pm.

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BRIDGWATER GUY FAWKES CARNIVAL 2015 PREVIEW

Park, ride and camp set up To M5, BRISTOL and WESTON-S-MARE

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town easier.”

Lee Jones, operations manager at the Buses of Somerset, said: “Bridgwater Carnival and its associated activities bring much trade to the local businesses all year around.“It makes perfect sense for us to work in partnership with the carnival committee to promote the town.”

The committee has also teamed up with the caravan site at Manor Farm, just outside of Westonzoyland, to provide basic pitches for potential campers for the carnival weekend.

The cost of a pitch including transport to and from theCarnival is £18 per night.

Pitches are limited and have to be pre-booked through the online shop at www.bridgwatercarnival.org.uk.

For further information, contact Mark Robson on 07787 120273.

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NEWTOWN P Bridgwater YMCA CC and their Tombs of Doom cart in 2014

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A NUMBER of roads will be closed during the carnival events.

Somerset County Council has made a number of orders in a bid to keep the carnival, and traffic, moving.

The order has been made to facilitate the Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival 2015 and is in the interest of public safety, a spokesman said.

Road closures have been announced for the Bridgwater Guy

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IN ORDER to help this year’s Bridgwater Carnival run as smoothly as ever, the organisers have teamed up with The Buses of Somerset to provide a park and ride service for spectators.

The service, which is in its third year, will operate on Saturday from two locations.

People can jump on buses at the Junction 24 (M5) cattle market site and just off Junction 23 of the M5 at the British Car Auctions car park .

These will run regularly in both directions from 2pm on carnival day.

Both services will be signposted and will cost £5 per car, with all profits going towards the official Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival charity.

Gary Stephens, chairman for the carnival committee, said: “This is another enhancement to the Bridgwater Carnival experience and I would like to thank the Buses of Somerset, Junction 24 and British Car Auctions for their support with this scheme.

“Not only will it help ease the amount of traffic travelling on the main roads leading into the town on carnival day itself, it will also relieve the pressure on carnival goers from trying to find a suitable car parking space near the procession route and will make leaving the

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Follow the route of Europe’s biggest parade

n HARLEQUIN CC with their 2014 entry - Tortuga

Fawkes Carnival Weekend.

The restrictions come into operation from 3.30pm on November 6 and will continue in force until 1am on November 8.

Road closures: l St Matthews Field: November 6, from 6.30pm until 8.30pm. l West Street, from Broadway to St Matthews Field, outbound: November 6, from 7pm until 8.30pm. l Parkway, northbound from Westonzoyland Road to Bincombe Road and High Street, Cornhill, Lamb Lane and Clare Street: November 7 between 8am and 10am. l Parkway, northbound, full length, Wyndham Road, Frederick Road (Wyndham Road to Parkway), Knowle Road, Trevor Road (Knowle Road to Parkway): November 7 from 10am until 1am on November 8. l Broadway (Salmon Parade to Monmouth Street – Northbound), Monmouth Street (Northbound) and Blake Place (Capes Close to Monmouth Street): November 7, from 2pm-1am. l Bath Road (Monmouth Street to Bower Lane), Westonzoyland Road (Eastern Avenue to St John Street), Parkway: Southbound (Bath Road to Sydenham Road), Monmouth Street (Southbound), Broadway, Taunton Road (Showground Roundabout to St Mary Street), St Mary Street, Penel Orlieu, Mount Street, Northgate, Chandos Bridge, East Quay, Wylds Road, Dampiet Street (George Street to St Mary Street), Old Taunton Road (Taunton Road to Broadway), Eastover, Town Bridge, St John Street, The Clink, Bristol Road (Union Street to the Cross Rifles roundabout), Salmon Parade (“Old” Hospital Car Park to Broadway), Salmon Parade (Lime Kiln Inn to Broadway): From 6pm on November 7 until 1am on November 8.

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BRIDGWATER GUY FAWKES CARNIVAL 2015 PREVIEW

Biggest and best year yet AS EVER, all the clubs have been working tirelessly around the clock to perfect their entries for this year.

Each cart is set to be bigger and better than the year before, with a more show-stopping display that will stand out from the crowd.

With thousands of twinkling lights, theatrical shows and toe tapping tunes, the procession through our town will certainly be one to remember.

Appearances from everyone’s

favourite clubs are causing a stir of excitement, with many spectacular things planned.

Lime Kiln, British Flag and Marketeers will be returning, with their impressive entries for 2015.

After scooping the top prize in the carnival Concerts, British Flag have got a taste of success.

“It’s going to be brilliant and that’s all I’m saying about it,” said Laura Dodden, club chairman.

She added: “We build our cart

on Colley Lane Industrial Estate and we’re away from the other clubs and carnival village, which is quite nice really.

“A lot of my family are involved with British Flag and we have at least two generations of other families too.

“This year will be bigger and better – I love it.

“It’s either in your blood or not.”

This year, Lime Kiln are celebrating the milestone of their 70th anniversary.

“Our theme is called show boat and funnily enough we did the same one 60 years ago,” said club

chairman David Cleavely.

“We chose the theme last December and it’s all about coming on board and enjoying the show.”

Also making a grand appearance at the procession are YMCA, Cavaliers, Centurion, Crusaders and Gremlins.

Each club is hoping for a production that will go down in history as being more memorable than ever before.

Hill View, Newmarket, Pentathlon, Ramblers and Renegrades have been prepping and working on their ideas for months.

Club members have been pull-

ing together day and night to complete their fabulous carts in time for the big night, with genius results.

Unicorn, Vagabonds, Wills, Wilks, Westonzoyland, Marina Youth, Toppers and Mendip are all promising the wow factor.

With so much fundraising, time and energy behind the creations of the carts, the carnival is truly set to be an evening of magic.

The competition has really heated up.

Unfortunately, due to so many amazing clubs, it is impossible to mention you all.

n GREMLINS CC with their 2014 winning Brunel’s Kingdom – The Shipyard entry n 2014 SHOWSTOPPERS: Marketeers CC’s Battle for Atlantis (above) and VAGABONDS CC with Wreck’d (below)

n RENEGADES CC had a dark Egyptian theme in 2014 with Anubis Army

n GRIFFENS CC wowed the crowds in 2014 with their Rainforest theme

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BRIDGWATER GUY FAWKES CARNIVAL 2015 PREVIEW

n Gemini CC at Ilminster Carnival

Fancy-dress fun starts

n One Plus One CC at Ilminster Carnival 2015

CARNIVALS have already taken place in some parts of the county.

Here is a selection of carts and themes that have been on show at the likes of Wellington, Chard and Ilminster – and are set to dazzle the streets of Bridgwater.

ILMINSTER LIONS: Nigel Clymow, Philip Creed and Andrew Lawson n One of the amazing walking entries at Ilminster Carnival

n Kai Newbery at Chard Children’s Carnival 2015

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BRIDGWATER GUY FAWKES CARNIVAL 2015 PREVIEW

Team weave a willow guy for bonfire event

Carnival’s biggest fan HE is a self-confessed Bridgwater Carnival nut. Meet Dave Stokes, the man charged with publicising Somerset’s flagship event along with the two week long carnival concerts and numerous events in the build up to Saturday, November 7.

“The carnival concerts are four hour long shows,” he said. “All the 13 clubs put on a performance and in between the performances there are front of curtain acts as well as dance shows. It’s the West End in Bridgwater with a lot of enthusiasm with up to 600 people on stage. There are around 3,000 tickets which usually sell out.

It’s a curtain raiser for the big night on November 7.”

Mr Stokes is clearly an enthusiast, and is clearly excited about the carnival season. But why did he get involved?

“When I was young,” he said, “my home backed onto Westonzoyland Carnival Club’s site. When I got home from school there was nothing much to do, so I’d jump over the fence and help the club build their cart. I was only 10 at the time so it was making tea and coffee and picking up nails and that sort of thing and I’ve been hooked ever since.”

There are carnivals across Devon

PUBLICITY: Dave Stokes is the man charged with promoting the carnival and Cornwall, with some taking place in the daytime as in Axbridge and others at night on a weekday. Why does Bridgwater have the reputation as the big daddy of them all?

“It’s the oldest carnival in the UK,” he said, “and the roots can be traced back to the Gun Powder Plot, and the second reason is the community factor. Everyone in Bridgwater knows somebody in carnival. You walk down the street any day of the week and you’ll meet someone taking part in a carnival event in the town.”

A GIANT Guy Fawkes made out of willow will be ceremoniously lit at the start of the Bridgwater Carnival fireworks event.

A second replica has also been produced that will lead the procession, with both creations being donated by Somerset Willow Company.

Production of the guy started several months ago at the factory in Bridgwater, with help from their two apprentices from Bridgwater College.

Heidi Hill, from Somerset Willow, said: “We didn’t have any apprentices when we built the guy last year, so this year has provided a unique and interesting project for Sam and Daniel – our apprentices – to get involved.

“Forming something from nothing takes time and skill, and they have both been able to help with the cape and belt and really enjoyed being a part of it.

“I think they are pleased we have made two, as one will be burnt.”

Sam said: “I’m really enjoying my apprenticeship.

“The modules that I have completed so far have helped me with the health and safety aspect of my workplace, but as I become more skilled in my weaving I’m looking forward to the more advanced modules of my apprenticeship programme.

“The Somerset Willow Company have given me plenty of time away from my normal work time in order to complete my assignments, which has been really good.”

n The willow Guy Fawkes which has been beautifully created for the carnival

by Somerset Willow Craft

DON’T MISS A TRICK The Bridgwater Mercury has got carnival covered.

There will be updates on Facebook and Twitter - follow the Mercury Twitter feed @BWMercury.

Our website bridgwatermercury. co.uk - will be running live news and pictures and there will be a picture gallery after the event so you can relive the magic and order your favourite photos.

And don’t miss next week’s bumper 28-page souvenir, free with your Mercury.

Published by Newsquest Media (Southern) Ltd – a Gannett company – from its offices at 28 Angel Crescent, Bridgwater, Somerset TA6 3EW (01278 727950), and printed at Fleet House, Hampshire Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 9XD (01305 830881).

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