Over 50 past and present members of Wellington Majorettes gathered the Football Club on Sunday afternoon to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the troupe.
Wellington Majorettes were formed in 1976. The idea evolved from the late Brian Smith who, at the time, was a member of Wellington Carnival Committee.
The troupe consisted of 35 girls aged 12 to 16 years, who performed for the first time in Wellington Carnival on September 25th, 1976.
They were led by the late Drum Major, Wendy Gill, whose son Nick attended the reunion to share some of her photos, newspaper cuttings and a diploma certificate.
The troupe were fully funded by Wellington Carnival Committee for the first six months until a separate committee was established and fundraising events and members’ subscriptions were set up.
The troupe grew rapidly, with younger members wanting to be part of the team.
Harry Preston, who was training the troupe at the time, set up a junior troupe with the intention that they would transfer to the senior troupe when a vacancy came up, which was very rare. This was when a second troupe of majorettes was formed in the town.
Louise Brierley, current instructor for Wellington Majorettes, joined the troupe at the age of seven in 1983.
She talked about key milestones during the 50 years, from gaining charitable status to exchange trips to Lillebonne in France, owning their own coach and taking part in competitions.
They also starred in Cilla Black’s popular ITV show, Surprise, Surprise, in 1996.
More recent activities include annual camps to Huish Woods, and exchange trips to Portugal to take part in the twin town of Torres Vedras carnival, not forgetting all the local fetes, carnivals and parades in which the troupe perform.
Throughout the afternoon, guests watched old performances on video, which included a performance from 1990 at the Scout Fete at Wellington Park and the recording of Surprise, Surprise.
There was also a timeline, which included hundreds of photos and memorabilia through the years, from soft toy mascots to Drum Major sashes, trophies and items of original uniforms.
To finish off the afternoon off, ex-members were invited to “have a go.” Batons were twirled (and dropped), the old tunes started flowing back on the glockenspiels and the drums rolled.
Louise thanked everyone for taking the time to attend, share their memories and for being part of Wellington Majorettes’ incredible 50-year journey.
The troupe look forward to creating many more memories together in the years ahead, continuing to support young people and proudly representing the town.
