STALWARTS of Wellington Carnival committee, chairman Dave Rylatt and secretary Louise Brierley, have resigned their posts after six years’ service.

The news emerged after the committee’s annual meeting held at Wellington Football Club on Sunday afternoon.

Louise said she was disappointed with the attendance at the meeting. “I thought local people would have wanted to support and keep two of the town’s major events [Wellington Carnival and Wellington Carnival Street Fair] running,” she said.

“Especially following the announcement last year that another major event in our town – Welliestock – would not be going ahead. It is very sad, but everyone is so busy with life in general, community events will suffer.”

Four local people attended the meeting and signed up to the committee – and messages were received from others who said they could not attend but were willing to help. It is hoped they attend the next committee meeting on Tuesday, April 2, at The Barley Mow.

Sharon Collins, a carnivalite for more than 20 years from Honiton, Devon, will be chairman for the next 12 months. She has lots of experience in chairing committees, has previously organised Honiton Carnival and been involved in two carnival clubs.

Sharon said: “I am really looking forward to working with Wellington. I am aware of the challenges we face but I am hopeful the community will work together to keep this very special traditional event that Wellington has going.

“It’s not going to be easy, especially not living in or being local to Wellington, but it would be so sad to lose another carnival in Somerset.”

The role of secretary has not yet been ‘fully fulfilled’ but Jo Alway, from Always Lovely, who attends Wellington’s craft market and who organised Court Fields Christmas Fair last year, has volunteered to take on the role of Street Fair secretary.

Dave Rylatt opened the annual meeting by thanking all the committee members who had supported him and Louise. He said what the committee had achieved during their time at the helm had been phenomenal, giving more than £70,000 to local organisations, schools and charities.

However, this had not all been raised through the carnival, the committee had put on other fundraising events including four sponsored abseils, the annual street fair in June and the Santa float visits.

South Somerset Federation of Carnivals was also represented at the meeting. Wellington is registered with the federation, which enables it to attract entries from carnival towns such as Ilminster and Chard.

A carnival statement added: “The committee would like to take this opportunity to thank Dave and Louise for all their efforts over the past six years and, of course, welcome their support for the new and upcoming committee.”

Anyone interested in joining the committee should contact Sharon on 07962 370176 or email [email protected]