Wellington Majorettes have returned to entertain the community, after an 18-month break because of Covid-19, performing at the Welly Welcome Weekend at the end of September after just four training sessions.

The committee was unable to fit members’ uniforms as normal due to pandemic restrictions, but Carlos Alfaro, manager of The Corner House Hotel in Taunton, offered to help with sponsorship. This enabled the committee to purchase all the younger members a shower-proof jacket which they wore with the team’s plain white skirts and dresses.

Troupe leader Louise Brierley said it has been a struggle fundraising and keeping the team engaged through the pandemic, as for all youth charity groups. She said: “Unfortunately, majorette training wasn’t possible online but we met weekly and engaged the team in a variety of activities, from bingo to quizzes to drawing on our heads, but the favourite activity was a scavenger hunt.

“We tried to sing for members’ birthdays, easier said than done online, and everyone gave each other ideas of films to watch, cakes to bake and even places to walk. We held a couple of online fundraising events, which were very well supported by the public.

“The committee has also been collecting clothes, shoes, bags and teddies throughout the year, which raised a further £1,000, covering the cost of storage for all the equipment and uniforms, the trailer and insurance. We are truly grateful to everyone who has supported us during this time, especially to Carlos and The Corner House Hotel for their generous donation.”

The committee is continuing to collect recyclable items, but now the team needs to use its trailer, storage space is required. If anyone has a small space to put a clothes recycling unit so the majorettes can continue raising funds, e-mail [email protected]

Members of the team will take part in the town’s Remembrance Parade next month and it is hoped the whole team will be out on Saturday, November 27, for the final performance of a very short season at the switch-on of the Christmas lights in Wellington.

The committee is looking forward to getting the team back on track in 2022, it is hoped at all the usual local events. If anyone is interested in joining or booking Wellington Majorettes they can contact Louise Brierley on 07796 933064 or email [email protected]