Doug Takes The Chains
April 2007
Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival Committee has elected Doug Robson as its new president.
The event’s patronage scheme coordinator has taken over the presidential chains, after Chris Hocking stepped down following three years in the coveted position. Bridgwater born, Doug, who is married to Pam and has two children – Adrian and Mark, has plenty of carnival experience and has been involved with carnival life since 1960 when he joined the Hope Inn CC, now known as Crusaders CC. After 10 years of service with them where he held club captain and chairman positions, he joined Pig & Whistle CC (later known as Pariah CC), where he held club captain, chairman and gangs and features representative positions.
Doug joined Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival Committee in 1985 and since then has played an active role in the organisation, by serving on the marshal and collection sub committees, as well as acting as an assistant steward at the carnival concerts. He was elected to vice president status on the committee in 2001. Away from carnival, Doug has his own successful metal craft business in Bridgwater, and works as a part time fabrication welding lecturer at Bridgwater College.
After taking over the role, Doug reflected and paid tribute to his predecessor and outgoing president, Chris Hocking, and said: “Chris is a great ambassador for everything Bridgwater Carnival stands for, and I have a huge challenge in following in his footsteps. No doubt I will be asking for his help and support as I take on this new role.”
Doug added: “I feel extremely proud to have been elected as president of Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival Committee, and I will continue to work with our carnival’s greatest asset – the people involved in the clubs and committee, to ensure the continued success of the world’s largest illuminated carnival".
“Carnival is for fun and I have experienced 47 unforgettable years in this wonderful tradition, and I fully intend to enjoy and savour every moment of my three year term presidency.”
Chris Hocking remains on the carnival committee as a life member.
Another person to have taken ownership of new chains is Doug’s wife, Pam, who has also been presented with an official chain of office.
Pam is the first partner of a Bridgwater Carnival president to receive this new chain, which was the idea of and funded personally by carnival veteran and former Bridgwater Carnival president, Bill Biffen.
Bill said: “When I was president of Bridgwater Carnival between 1992 and 1994, my wife supported me tremendously with all of my carnival engagements and duties, and I hope that this chain recognises the important role undertaken by future presidents' partners in our wonderful carnival tradition for many years to come.”
