Bridgwater Carnival raises almost £5,000 for charity (From This is The West Country)

Bridgwater Carnival raises almost £5,000 for charity

12:30pm Monday 4th March 2013 in Somerset By Kirsty James

BRIDGWATER Guy Fawkes Carnival Committee has helped raise almost £5,000 for Sedgemoor charities and groups.

A themed cart was taken around the supermarkets and streets of Bridgwater, raising £4,989.

Groups to benefit included Bridgwater Hospital League of Friends, Bridgwater Lions International, Bridgwater Operatic Society, Bridgwater Rotary Club, Help the Hospices, Rhode Lane Wanderers Junior Football Club, SNAP, Bridgwater Victoria Park Rangers Junior Football Club, and some Bridgwater carnival clubs (Marina Sydenham JCC, Renegades CC, YMCA CC).

Mark Robson, collection officer for Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival, said: “Once again the response from the Bridgwater and Sedgemoor public was overwhelming.

"It is so rewarding to do something like this, especially when you see the faces of children light up when they see Father Christmas, and I do hope everybody involved with the fun enjoyed themselves.

“This is a great way to raise money, and on behalf of Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival Committee and the charities concerned, I would like to especially thank everyone at ASDA, Morrison’s and Sainsbury’s for their hospitality.”

The cart’s Christmas tour, arranged by the carnival committee’s collection team, consisted of 15 appearances at Bridgwater Town Centre, North Petherton, Durleigh, Rhode Lane, Wembdon, Parkway, Woolavington, Chilton Trinity, Westonzoyland, ASDA, Morrison’s and Sainsbury’s.

Collectors from various charities and groups accompanied the festive cart and Christmas music helped spectators and shoppers get into the party mood.

Father Christmas also appeared on the cart and handed out sweets to excited children.