CARNIVAL: Harlequin begin search for new home

THE award-winning Harlequin Carnival Club from Ilminster is searching for a new home – once again.

The club knew that 2011 would be its final year at Parsonage Farm at Ashill and now this year will see Harlequin say goodbye to its HQ at Parshalls Farm at Donyatt.

Club chairman Steve Dawe said: “Our lease has come to an end, our landlord’s lease with the council has come to an end and it looks unlikely that either will be renewed in a format which will allow us to stay.

“We wish to thank Anna and her family for allowing us to share their home and wish them well for the future.”

PHOTO – TOP: Harlequin CC celebrated its best ever season in 2014 with the pirate-themed Tortuga.

PHOTO – RIGHT: A Harlequin CC member on the club’s 2013 entry City of Rock.

Steve added: “This is, of course, a bitter blow. We have literally only just become settled and begun to get everything close to how we want it. We have until March 1, 2016, which means this season at least is safe.

“We are once again in search of that parcel of land, corner of a field – somewhere to hang our costume and call home. I have to call on every person reading these words to be on the look-out for us; together we will find some where and start once more.”

The club’s plans for the 2015 Carnival season remain unaltered, but members have been told that they will have to fundraise a little more in preparation for the move.

“We will aim to achieve our very best on the road for 2015, it is the ‘close’ season as we cross into 2016 that we simply won’t be able to rest,” added Steve

“Those that were with us four years ago know what it takes to move. We are a stronger club today and whilst it will not be easy, I am confident we can emerge stronger still.”

The process of finding a new home is very much in its early days, but Steve said that over the next 12 months the club will be making regular appeals for “materials, money or resources in one form or another.”

If anyone can offer specific help – please contact Steve Dawe on 07957-574424.

PHOTO – ABOVE: Harlequin CC with Scarecrow Jubilee in 2012.

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