CARNIVAL NEWS: Clubs unite over building HQ plans

CARNIVAL clubs in South Somerset are discussing proposals to join forces to create a multi-purpose site for building their floats.

A number of local clubs are facing problems finding somewhere to build their amazing entries for the Carnival season.

Now an attempt to improve the situation has been launched by local clubs and interested groups.

An initial meeting was held at the Shrubbery Hotel in Ilminster earlier this month to discuss the possibility of a New Carnival Park Facility in a location which would serve the clubs from the South Somerset Carnival Federation.

A strong turn out of clubs including mounted entries, walkers and groups demonstrated their support for the project.

PHOTO - TOP: Members of Harlequin Carnival Club ahead of last year's Ilminster Carnival.

PHOTO - RIGHT: A member of Gemini Carnival Club on board their float during last year's Carnival season.

One club in the Ilminster area is currently looking for a new home while others are aware that they will need a new home in the near future.

Jointly Steve Dawe, of Harlequin Carnival Club, and Kym Toms, of Ilminster Carnival Committee, have been asked to head up the project, sharing the role of chairman for the new committee.

The committee has been formed as the South Somerset Carnival Park Committee, and has initially tasked itself to look into the possibility of such a facility based on the model which exists in Glastonbury called ButlerPark.

Members of the group will now examine the possibility of land, and financing options together with raising their public profile before the next meeting which is at the Shrubbery Hotel on May 12, 2015, at 7.30pm.

The SSCPC would welcome key stakeholders, individuals and groups who may be interested in the project or anybody who is able to offer support in any form to contact either Steve or Kym.

People can email sscp.committee@outlook.com or phone 07957-574424.

PHOTO - TOP: Members of Eclipse Carnival Club at last year's Chard Carnival.

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Carnival.