AROUND £4,370 was presented by Chard Carnival Committee last week to various groups and organisations as a result of the proceeds from the 2015 procession.

A large number of representatives of the recipients gathered at the Guildhall in Chard on Thursday (January 14, 2016) for the presentations.

Chard Carnival chairman Andy Chant thanked everyone for attending and reminded people that the procession took many months of preparation.

“Carnival doesn’t happen overnight,” he said. “It takes a lot of planning. It is nearly an all-year round event, but to see everyone here to receive their cheques makes it all worthwhile.”

Representatives of a number of Carnival clubs were also in attendance.

The chairman was taken aback, however, when members of the 3rd Chard Brownies said they would use their donation to “go on holiday.”

“I didn’t realise we’d given them that much money,” he joked. “I hope they send me a postcard!”

Among the recipients were the Bridgwater Harley Davidson motorbike group who led out last year’s Chard Carnival. Their donation will be going towards their own chosen charity – the Ups and Downs Down Syndrome Support Group.

The following all received a donation: Chard Rangers; Chard & District Museum; Somerset Centre; Jess CC; Chard and Ilminster Boxing Club; Chard Watch Project; 3rd Chard Brownies; Chard Rugby Club; Somerset Mobile Chemotherapy Unit Hope for Tomorrow; Tatworth Pre-School; St Mary’s Church; Chard Goldstars; Play Days Pre-School; Chard Mini Rugby; 3rd Chard Rainbows; Lord’s Larder; Active Learning and Skills; Tatworth Amateur Pantomime Society; Chard Amateur Theatre Society; First Responders; and Bridgwater Harleys.

The cheques were presented by the Chard Carnival Royalty – who raised £3,000 themselves last year – consisting of Amy Winter as Miss Chard, Abi Winter as Princess and Ellie Lacey as Attendant.