A FAMILY and carnival club are bursting with pride for a deaf man who will take part in his second Bridgwater Carnival on Saturday (November 4).

Scott Davey, 51, who lives in Woolavington, joined the Meare-based Masqueraders Carnival Club shortly before the start of the pandemic.

He took part in his first carnival circuit last year – and a family member, who has asked not to be named, said he “absolutely loved” the experience.

They said: “He’s made so many new friends. He did all seven carnivals last year and is doing all seven again this year.

“He’s got two weeks of holiday booked from his work, so he’s all up and ready.

“He’s been down at the shed most nights when he finishes work, and he does his bit. They’re all looking after him, and he just feels part of it.”

Carnival runs in Scott's family; his brother Jason is a former member of Marketeers, and he has two nephews and a niece in Renegades and Marketeers.

Bridgwater Mercury: Masqueraders at Bridgwater Carnival in 2022.Masqueraders at Bridgwater Carnival in 2022. (Image: Steve Richardson)

Scott, who works at MH Joinery Products in Bridgwater, attends the shed and meetings with his son-in-law, Toby Edwards, who helps him communicate with his fellow Masqueraders.

His family member added: “It’s quite an achievement and brave of him to get out there and do it. They’re all first class with him. We’re very proud of him.”

Masqueraders secretary Laura Mann says the club is “really excited” to take part in this year's events with their Polynesian-themed cart, ‘Ohana! We Know the Way’.

Laura, who also helps Scott share his ideas and vote on club matters, says his example is a good one to show how inclusive carnival can be.

She said: “Scott joined pre-Covid, when he came down to our AGM with his daughter, Jemma.

“He copes really well. His sense of humour shines through – he loves to have a bit of a joke with the boys.

“Last year, he did fantastically well and loved it. He enjoys a lot of the carpentry side of it, but he loves giving anything a go.”

This year's Masqueraders cart is dedicated to life member Paul Vowles, who joined in 1991 and sadly passed away at the start of the year.

Bridgwater Mercury: Carnival returned to Somerset last year after several Covid-enforced cancellations.Carnival returned to Somerset last year after several Covid-enforced cancellations. (Image: Steve Richardson)

In his 24-year involvement, he designed the club's 1993 entry, ‘Xango’, played an integral part in its work at Glastonbury Festival and put in countless hours at the paint bay to help bring its entries to life.

His twin brother Pete and son Dan remain active members of the club.

In January, the club paid tribute to him on Facebook, writing: “It's hard to imagine going forwards not seeing him pop in as he still would on a Sunday morning; a chair and coffee was always quickly sought for him.

“We will miss his no nonsense reviews of what we had built and carnival won't be the same without his giant character on the road, regardless of the weather.

“We know you'll be watching over us in November, and we're sure you'll find every piece of bare wood on the entry all whilst tutting at us, pint in hand.”