Donations To Local Clubs and Societies

Bowlish House Restaurant Friday 30th April 2010

Worthy causes from across the area were given a helping hand on Friday night with the presentation of cheques totaling £7000.00 from Shepton Mallet's Carnival Committee.

The presentation of the proceeds from collections at last years carnival took place at the Bowlish House Hotel.

The bulk went to the carnival committee's main charity-Afghan Hero's. Chairman Don Clifford welcomed all the representatives from the various clubs, charities and organisations. Mr Clifford said the evening enabled the carnival committee to thank and reward in a small way the clubs and charities who had helped in such a very big way to stage and run last years carnival. He said "As with all things, carnivals cost more each year to run. If it was not for the support from the local companies and yourselves for your voluntary work, we would not be able to give Shepton Mallet the show of the year - the number one event of the winter calendar"

He also thanked the thousands of spectators who had given so generously to the collectors tins.

Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th March helping pack 10000 box's to send out to our Afghan Hero's.

The confirmed total for this years street collection is £6,564.72 as of 12/11/2009

This is a deficit of £482.20 (6.8%) versus the 2008 total.

The positive news is that the crowd estimate confirmed by the Police Carnival Event Supervisor was 5,500             

This gives us and average donation of £1.19 per spectator.

This I am sure is going to be one of the highest average donation figures on the County Circuit in 2009.

Many thanks to you all for your support, advice and help with collection organisation this year.

This year's Shepton Mallet Carnival Committee have chosen Afghan Heroes as their main charity for people to support this year.

And are urging carnival-goers to dig deep in their pockets and give generously to support this and the other worthy causes who will have collectors out on the streets with tins and buckets on carnival night, 11th November

This year's fundraising has already got off to a magnificent start thanks to the efforts of the eight contestants who took part is this year's Carnival Queen contest. Carnival Queen Megan Woods, her two Princesses Kirsty Gribben and Paige White and the other contestants Lauren Curtis, Emma Charnley, Lucy Mason, Shannon Bennet and Faith Carpenter between them raised the record-breaking sum of £8,544.45.

Collector co-ordinator Marcus Baker has a list of volunteers from many local groups who will enjoy a donation from the carnival committee. Mr Baker said: "As the amount collected in the buckets can relate to the amount of the donation, if there is a charity that you support make sure you put most money in their buckets. "We have 200 buckets to be filled. Although everyone enjoys throwing at the collection lorries they will be reduced in number this year."

This year Shepton Mallet Carnival falls on Remembrance Day, so the committee decided to make "Afghan Heroes" their headline charity. This charity is set up by Denise Harris, who lives near Castle Cary and who lost her son, Cpl Lee Scott, aged 26, in Afghanistan in July. Denise has joined forces with other mums whose sons died and formed Afghan Heroes which aims to support soldiers and their families affected by events in Afghanistan. For more details about the charity visit www.afghanheroes.org.uk.

Other groups collecting on the night include Shepton Mallet Army Cadet Force, Shepton Mallet Rotary Club, Shepton Mallet Guides, Shepton Mallet Ladies Hockey Club, Shepton Mallet Scouts, Shepton Mallet Fire Brigade, Shepton Mallet Tangent Club, Shepton Mallet Fun Run, Shepton Mallet Round Table, Shepton Mallet Centre School of Dancing, Transition Shepton Mallet, Nicky Turner's Taekwondo School, Avalon Round Table and Wells Rugby Club.

If there are more groups or individuals who wish to collect they can contact Marcus on 07712 655044.

Carnival Queen Crowning Ceremony 25th September 2009

History was made at the crowning ceremony of this years Shepton Mallet Carnival Queen.

Megan Woods, 10, entered the record books by following in the footsteps of her mum and aunt before her who won the coveted title 20 and 19 years ago.

And the spectacular fundraising efforts of all eight contestants competing for the crown raised a staggering £8,544.45. That too was a record.

Meanwhile there were more family traditions being upheld. Kirsty Gribbens and Page White were appointed as Carnival Princesses. Kirsty's sister Kelly was a princess back in 2001.

Just weeks ago the competition had only attracted two entrants, so the committee were delighted and proud to see eight hopefuls on the night, it made the efforts for carnival all worthwhile.

It was was an amazing result and a fantastic effort by all.

Once again the weather was beautiful and the crowds came out to support us in their hundreds. A successful day was had by all. We had many prizes to give out, so our Carnival Queen and Princesses did the honors.