The hard work pays off!
Castle Cary and Ansford Carnival Society held their annual Presentation Evening last Friday (3
February) and gave £2000 from their 2016 carnival collections to a range of 14 deserving local causes.
The evening was very well attended, with over 70 people crowding into the Horse Pond Inn in Castle Cary – despite a day of strong wind and torrential downpours.
“It is a very special evening in our carnival calendar,” said Society Chairperson Di Pinnions, “An opportunity to celebrate what carnival is all about as we hand out the donations, and thank everyone who has helped us.”
2016’s young carnival royalty proudly presented the donations to:
- Castle Cary Community Primary School – towards a public address system
- North Cadbury Primary School – towards a library
- Castle Cary Scouts – towards refurbishing the Scout Hut
- Brue Valley Rotary – towards supporting their own charitable activities
- Caryford Community Hall – towards a new projector
- Carybrook Home for Dementia – towards setting up a café for residents
- CATS bus – nominated by South Cary Residential Home
- Cary Comedians Carnival Club – towards a new tractor
- Castle Cary Majorettes – towards a new canopy and sound system
- Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance – to help continue their fabulous work.
Donations also went to a number of organisations that ensure the carnival processions run safely and smoothly:
- Avon & Somerset Police
- Wessex 4×4 Response,
- the Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service, and
- St John Ambulance
Special thanks were given to everyone who helped with the carnival; including marshals, other carnival
committees, and a whole range of volunteers who give their time, and often, financial support too.
Very grateful thanks were also given to the private individuals and local businesses that provide the critical
sponsorship for the carnival:
- Battens Solicitors, dedicated Children’s Carnival sponsor
- BGW Solicitors
- John Boyd Textiles
- Centaur Services
- Martins of Castle Cary
- Crown Pet Foods
- Ansford Parish Council
- Heather’s Flowers
- Wyke Farms
Very special recognition was given to Olive Boyer, who has – with her husband Ray – has personally sponsored the HMS Heron Royal Navy Volunteer Band for many years, however couldn’t be there due to very ill health.
Finally, thanks were given to Simon and Heidi Mitchell proprietors of The Horse Pond Inn, for hosting
the evening, laying on a hot buffet, as well as sponsoring the Carnival.
Society President Gordon Stockman said, “Celebrating what we achieved in 2016 and thanking the people that helped us, is a great way to start a very special year for carnival in Castle Cary and Ansford. 2017 is
our 40th anniversary year! We’re putting together a number of special events to look back over those years, and look forward so our carnivals continue to thrive!”
