THE Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival has elected its new president.

Dave Croker took over the presidential carnival chains at the committee’s annual general meeting (AGM) last night and became the 26th known president in the popular carnival’s long and esteemed history.

Dave has plenty of carnival knowledge and experience.

In 1971 he was one of the founder members of Bath Bridge Carnival Club, which amalgamated with Griffens Carnival Club in 1975, and he was the club representative at carnival committee meetings from 1979.

He joined Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival Committee in 1983 as a member, and during the last forty-five years has held a number of positions including collection officer, assistant secretary, secretary, treasurer, and chairman.

He was made a vice president of the carnival committee in 1991, and elected as a life member in 2000.

As well as holding the officer positions, Dave has been hugely influential with the evolution of Bridgwater Carnival over the years.

He has also held a number of other responsibilities including, the production of the official video and transition to DVD for the past 28 years, founder and webmaster of the official Bridgwater Carnival website, and the event’s Judges Convenor since 2001.

Very much a family man, Dave has been married to Janet for 43 years and has two children, Stuart and Gemma, and two grandchildren, Louie and Harry.

Immediately after taking on the prestigious role, Dave said: “I feel extremely proud and honoured, and I would like to thank my fellow committee members who have elected me as president of Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival Committee.

“I look forward to working with the committee and the clubs to ensure the continued success of our wonderful carnival tradition.”

Dave also thanked and paid tribute to his predecessor and outgoing president, Mike Crocker.

He added: “Mike is a wonderful 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.”