PAST and present members of the Vagabonds Carnival Club are being invited to relive past glories during a 70th anniversary reunion.

The club has a storied history since it was formed back in 1947 and has picked up a raft of awards in the intervening years.

And Brian Lavis - a member of the club for 59 years, who has also organised the club’s 30th, 40th and 50th anniversary dinners - is keen to help people celebrate their achievements at the latest landmark. 

Bridgwater Mercury:

“We have around 100 people tied up to the club at the moment,” Mr Lavis said. 

“There are 32 current members as well as 34 life members and the rest are made up of friends and people that help us.”

“We do have quite a young group, the average age of the current members is about 22 or 23. 

“The experienced members help them but they put their own stamp on it.”

The group, which is now based at Reflections in Bridgwater, will also be donating a cheque for £1,400 to The Beacon Centre at the anniversary dinner.

Mr Lavis said: “Many people donate to us and support us but in turn we feel we like to give something back to struggling charities.”

The anniversary dinner takes place on Saturday, July 1, in the Town Hall, getting underway at 7pm, when there will be a four-course cold meal followed by various presentations, speakers, a disco and music from Bridgwater band Two Tone.

“This will be a great opportunity for all members and friends to come together and have an unforgettable evening of entertainment and memories,” Mr Lavis said.

At the 2016 Bridgwater Carnival, the Vagabonds impressed with their Da Vinci’s Workshop-themed cart.

Having a look through our archives, The Mercury found a report from the Vagabonds impressive debut in the Carnival, way back in 1947.

The report from the November 11, 1947 edition of the Mercury said:

“Well-earned plaudits of the crowd along the whole route of the procession greeted the Vagabonds Carnival Club on their remarkably live portrayal of ‘The Miner’s Return’, which won them first prize as a gang of masqueraders. 

“And they have something else to be even more proud of on their first venture into the field of carnival - they won the Bryer Cup.

“Pithead gear, coal hewing and the make-up were generally were faultless and the success attained augurs well for this club.”