CARNIVAL: Ilminster Majorettes take first place at Taunton

THE Mayor of Ilminster has led the congratulations after the town’s majorettes troupe marched its way to its first-ever first place in a Carnival.

Ilminster Majorettes were left in a state of stunned amazement last night (Saturday, October 15, 2016) when it was announced that they had taken top honours in the majorettes category at the Taunton Carnival.

And it shows that hard work, effort, enthusiasm and dedication really does pay off because the Ilminster Majorettes have taken part in four Carnivals this year and have improved with each one.

PHOTO - TOP: The envelope says it all for Ilminster Majorettes - first place at Taunton Carnival on Saturday, October 15, 2016. Picture courtesy of Ilminster Majorettes!

They came fourth at South Petherton Carnival on Saturday, September 10, 2016, and then took third place at Wellington Carnival on Saturday, September 24, 2016, second spot at Chard Carnival on Saturday, October 8, 2016, and now an unbelievable first place at last night’s Taunton parade. (It should be noted that they were ineligible to enter the majorettes’ class at their home Carnival of Ilminster on Saturday, October 1, 2016).

The Mayor of Ilminster, Cllr Val Keitch, was delighted when she heard the news about the majorettes’ success at Taunton Carnival.

“I am very impressed with Ilminster Majorettes and they have done a remarkable job in such a short space of time,” she said.

“Credit must go to the adult leaders and the majorettes for their hard work and dedication. It is a big “well done” from me on behalf of the people of Ilminster.”

A spokesman for Ilminster Majorettes said: “It was unbelievable news when we heard we’d won – we really didn’t expect this.

“Everyone we have had the pleasure of taking part in Carnivals with this year have been amazing. We can’t wait to see everyone against at the Carnivals next year.

“A massive well done to all of our majorettes in what has been a great year for all of them.”

The Ilminster Majorettes have been gaining plenty of “thumbs-up” messages from lots of people from around the area and further afield – the group’s social network Facebook page has received a message of congratulations from someone living in the USA.

The troupe – the brainchild of Emily Langhorn - was formed in late 2014 and the majority of the majorettes have learnt everything from scratch. It only started performing at local fetes and Carnivals last year and so to suddenly find themselves winning top honours is beyond the group’s wildest aspirations.

Congratulations to everyone at the Ilminster Majorettes from Ilminster Press.

PHOTOS - ABOVE: Ilminster Majorettes at Chard Carnival on Saturday, October 8, 2016, where they came second in the majorettes class - but came first at Taunton Carnival a week later on Saturday, October 15, 2016.

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