Wellington Carnival Committee presented donations to two local charities last week following its latest fundraising initiative, a 50/50 charity abseil held at St John’s Church last month.

The first donation was made to Children’s Hospice South West, local man Derrick Tron’s chosen charity. Wendy Pollard from the hospice received the donation of £350 from Derrick and Wellington Carnival Queen Leona Jolly. Wendy said: “The donation will make a difference to life-limited children in the South-West.”

The second donation, for £500, was made to Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, the carnival committee’s nominated charity. Carnival secretary Louise Brierley presented the donation to Terry Small, who volunteers for the air ambulance.

Terry said: “It costs in the region of £2,500 for every mission the air ambulance attends – it is a fantastic emergency service that we are lucky to have in our area but the service could not continue without the many donations like these from the public.”

Louise said many smaller donations were posted out this week to local groups, schools and organisations who assisted the committee with last year’s street fair and carnival.

She said the committee was disappointed there was only £2,500 in the pot to give to good causes. This was due to a lower collection on carnival night compared to previous years and the rising costs of putting on such a large free event for the town.

Carnival chairman Dave Rylatt said: “We are now starting all the preparations again for this year’s event. The next fundraising initiative is our annual Street Fair on Sunday, June 5, where we hope the whole community of Wellington will come together once again.”

Anyone who would like to make a difference and join in the fun of Carnival raising money for local charities, schools and organisations is most welcome to go along to meetings the first Monday of each month at the Barley Mow or contact [email protected]