CLUBS AND SOCIETIES: Ilminster Majorettes enjoy their first Carnival

MEMBERS of the thriving Ilminster Majorettes group have been celebrating after successfully taking part in their first-ever Carnival parade at the weekend.

The troupe took part in the South Petherton Carnival on Saturday (September 12, 2015) and although they did not win any prizes – it was the “taking part” which really did matter to them.

It has been a lot of hard work for the group of girls and one boy since the troupe was first created last November by Emily Langhorn – but the training has paid off and the enthusiasm for the future is over-flowing.

Although they have put on a few public displays at events during the summer in Ilminster – it was their first taste of Carnival on Saturday which has given the group a real buzz.

Emily said: “Our aim from the start has been to promote team work, learn new skills, share our passion for majorettes and to have fun.

“The atmosphere on our journey from the start to the finish of the Carnival at South Petherton was electric.

“We all had a ball and I am super proud of everyone. Thank you to everyone who has continued to support us.”

The group’s treasurer Zane Gambling added: “I’ve never been so proud of so many people in such a short space of time.

“There are so many I want to thank and these range from our helpers behind the scenes, parents, the road crew, our man with a van, and everyone who has sponsored us and helped out.

“Unfortunately we didn’t win a cup, but we’re more than over the moon with just getting out there and show the massive progress the troupe has made.

“Around 90 per cent of the troupe had no previous experience of majorettes before the group was formed in November last year.”

The troupe would like to thank all the businesses who have supported them along with the Ilminster Carnival Committee, Ile Youth Centre and Gary Lawrence Electrics.

The Ilminster Majorettes will be next in action on Saturday, September 26, 2015, at the Ilminster Children’s Carnival in the morning followed by the opening Carnival of the main South Somerset Circuit later that night at Wellington.

They will then feature in the main Carnivals at Ilminster on October 3, Chard on October 10 and Taunton on October 17, 2015.

Zane added: “We were given a great reception by the other majorette troupes at South Petherton and look forward to seeing them again soon.”

The majorettes finished fourth in their category at South Petherton Carnival on Saturday behind winners Ilchester Gems, runners-up Merriott Majorettes and third-placed Chard Goldstars.

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