A well-known and highly respected carnivalite has this week been elected as president of Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival Committee.
Malcolm Cattle, who lives in Greenacre, Wembdon, took over the presidential chains at the committee’s annual general meeting (AGM), after the town’s first female carnival president, Rita Jones, stepped down following three years in the prestigious position.
Malcolm, who is married to Terry and has two children and two grandchildren, has been involved with carnival for 53 years. He joined his first carnival club (Gremlins Carnival Club) when he was just 15 years old, and became the club’s gangs and features representative in 1966.
This year is special for Malcolm for another reason too, as it sees him celebrating 50 years of being a part of Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival Committee. Throughout his illustrious carnival career, Malcolm has held a number of positions and roles including chairman, procession officer and life member of Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival Committee, and chairman, president and life member of the Somerset County Guy Fawkes Carnivals Association. He is also a vice president of Wills Carnival Club.
After taking over the role, Malcolm reflected and paid tribute to his predecessor and outgoing president, Rita Jones. He said: “Rita is a wonderful ambassador for everything our carnival stands for, and on behalf of everybody associated with Bridgwater Carnival, I would like to thank her for all she has done over the last three years. I have a huge challenge in following in her footsteps.”
He added: “Undoubtedly being awarded the presidency of Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival is the highlight of my carnival career, and I feel extremely proud to have been elected. I look forward to working with the carnival’s greatest asset, the people involved in the clubs and committee, to ensure the continued success of one of the world’s largest illuminated carnivals.”
Other appointments at the committee’s AGM include Mike Dodden becoming the committee’s new chairman and Gary Stephens being elected as the carnival’s new procession officer. Committee members, Janet Croker, Mike Daniels, and Rita Jones were also formally presented with their 20 year long service awards by Malcolm Cattle.
