In the SPotlight: Brian Lavis (From Bridgwater Mercury)

In the SPotlight: Brian Lavis

1:39pm Friday 24th October 2008 in

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Brian was born in Bridgwater in 1942 to Bill and Gladys Lavis.

He spent his school life at Westover Secondary School before becoming taking up an apprenticeship as an electrician for Pines on Taunton Road.

In 1959 Brian joined Vagabond Carnival Club, helping to wire carts with his knowledge from his apprenticeship - and is still there 50 years later.

He married Janet Davis in 1966 at a ceremony in St Mary's Church and went on to have two daughters, Carol and Susan.

With an interest in music and the theatre, Chris worked sound for Bridgwater Pantomime Society and Bridgwater Amateur Society along with the Carnival Concerts for the past 20 years.

Chris and Janet have a pet cat called Chalky as he is pure white who they adopted from their neighbours.

He is very grateful to his “good wife” and daughters for their support and thinks he has been very lucky. He said: “Behind every wife there is a good woman.”

What is the best and worst thing about the place you live in? “The best thing is the friendship in Bridgwater and the community. The thing that saddens me is the youngsters who get out of control.”

What is the best and worst thing about your job? “Best is that I work with a great bunch of lads at the British Car Auctions. Worst is working all winter weathers it's not so nice when it is poring with rain.”

What was your ambition as a child? “I've always been interested in electrics and wanted to be an electrician so was pleased I could fulfil my dream.”

What has been your greatest achievement? “I was the first person in Somerset to win the Gold Duke of Edinburgh award and 50 years at Vagabonds is also a great achievement.”

What characteristic you dislike most in others and in yourself? “I'm not always on time, I have a good will to be there but things don't always work out. I get frustrated when people that say they will be there at a certain time and place and not turn up.”

What is your biggest fear?

“I fear for older people in today's world climate, especially with bills and payments.”

When and where were you happiest?

“I'm very happy with my wife and my family, so right now.”

What three items would you take to a desert island? “A mobile phone, a writing pad and a CD player.”

Who are your dream dinner party guests (maximum five)? “I'd definitely take my wife, Michael Crawford, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Norman Wisdom and Ian Botham.”

How would you like to be remembered? “As a caring person and someone who'd helped improve Carnival over the years.