THE Wellington Majorettes have given a big thank you to local councillors for their funding support over the past year.

Wellington Town Council awarded the majorettes a £1,500 grant to help pay for new uniforms for the young people in April last year.

The majorette troupe has been growing back up in membership since the COVID-19 pandemic came to an end.

But Louise Brierly, of Wellington Majorettes, told the council’s annual parish meeting on May 28 that the expense of providing kit for the baton twirlers was proving difficult for some parents with the cost of living crisis ongoing.

“Some of our parents are struggling to pay for all the costumes,” said Louise. “But we ensure that everybody gets the same uniform and gets the same opportunity.”

Parents pay subs’ of £2 a week per majorette and the group has around 60 children on its books.

“We are all a team and everyone gets something out of it whether it be an increase in self-esteem or confidence,” said Louise.

Everyone having the same kit was crucial as Louise said that “image was important” for the group as they were “representing the town” at events away from Wellington.

Louise explained another problem with the young people was that they were constantly growing and needing new kit. And she said they were “always needing new shoes” as their feet were getting bigger!

The Wellington Majorettes were thanked by the council for everything they did in helping to promote the town.

Back in February a number of them travelled to Portugal to represent Wellington at Carnival Week in the twin town of Torres Vedras.

The then mayor, Cllr Marcus Barr, speaking at the time when the council’s grant to the majorettes was awarded, said: “They do a lot of amazing work and we should support them.”