Shining a light on behind the scenes support
The Newt becomes a Platinum sponsor!
An increasing presence in our town and community, we are delighted that The Newt in Somerset have given us £1000. Carnival is such an old Somerset tradition, it’s great that such a newcomer to the country is supporting us. “We are thrilled to support the Carnival and its rich history within the town. It is another incredible event that makes Castle Cary & Ansford the community it is and one we are exceptionally proud to be a part of.“, says Zoe Young, Community Liaison Officer.
This year Castle Cary Town Council has provided financial support for a number of key ‘hidden costs’, including our Public Liability Insurance, barrier hire, St John’s Ambulance on carnival night, and donating use of the Market House for the Children’s Carnival and the evening Carnival. “Castle Cary Town Council is pleased to support the Carnival as the most inclusive, exciting annual event in our community.”, says Judi Morison, Council Chair.
For the first year, we have also been awarded a very generous grant from a local charitable trust – who wish to remain anonymous. A massive thank you, with so many businesses feeling the squeeze, their support is invaluable.
Going for Gold!
A huge thank you to Battens Charitable Trust for once again so generously supporting carnival this year as gold Sponsors. Battens very quietly support so many important community and charitable activities in the area. “We are delighted to be able to support the Castle Cary and Ansford carnival as a Gold sponsor. The carnival has a long history within the town and is one of the highlights of the year. We love to help and support our local communities as much as we can and thrilled to be supporting this event once again.” enthuses Sally Manning of the Battens office in Cary.
As well as winning gold-medals for their farmhouse cheddar, Wyke Farms are worth their weight in the stuff in our eyes! “As a proud sponsor of the Castle Cary Carnival, Wyke Farms is absolutely thrilled to support this fantastic community event. We can’t wait to join in the fun and celebrate this vibrant day that makes our town so special. Let’s make this carnival the best one yet!” Jennifer Gray, Marketing Manager.
Ansford Parish Council – supporting the Ann Hallett Children’s Carnival. The Council have again been generous supporters of the children’s carnival; this year giving us a grant of £500. Says Debra Henderson, Chair. “Ansford Parish Council are pleased to support the children’s carnival in its provision of experience, opportunity and inclusiveness for our children and young people.”
Cary Cares about Carnival! Another new supporter, Cary Cares has generously given a grant so that a circus skills performer can run a workshop for young people after the Children’s Carnival procession – and show us how it’s done, by stilt-walking the whole route!
Silver Stars!
Once again we have a veritable milky way of silver sponsors this year. MWI Animal Health, known to so many of us as Centaur Services – great to have their support, especially with their roots going so deep into our community.
The George Hotel – great to see you back sponsoring the carnival – and also Schimmel Hardware, the town’s one-stop-shop for your homeware and hardware supplies, also BGW Solicitors, another local business that consistently supports the community it belongs to.
Supporting our expanded children’s carnival, now including Primary Schools outside Castle Cary like Ditcheat Primary, a huge thank you to Barbers Farmhouse Cheesemakers, based at Maryland Farm, for once again taking out silver sponsorship.
Bronze beauties!
Many local businesses have been quietly sponsoring the carnival year in, year out; companies like our unique horsehair factory, John Boyd. This year two newer businesses also became bronze sponsors; Catalier (the bespoke perfume and interiors shop where Martin’s Stores used to be) and wonderful The Beauty Salon, also in the High Street.
Enormous and heart-felt thanks from the Carnival Society Committee goes to every single one of these local businesses and organisations.