MEMBERS of a Bridgwater baton twirling team tasted success while representing England at a major competition in Italy.
Elysian Twirlers was able to send 18 girls and one boy to Lignano Sabbiadoro for the European Championships Majorettes.
The championships took place between October 13 and 16 and were organised by the National Baton Twirling Association (NBTA) Europe.
Elysian Twirlers members came away with two gold medals, three silvers, and three bronzes, while others performed well in their solo and duet categories.
The team was founded in September 2020, marking an impressive rise thanks to its hard-working members and volunteers.
Parents are particularly thankful for the work of Philippa and Faye Martin, who choreograph routines and help make the team's kits around their jobs.
Several members of the troupe take part in three training sessions a week, each lasting three hours, showing impressive dedication.
Kim Lovering, fundraiser for Elysian Twirlers, said: “To represent their country was just amazing.
“We’ve been going since just before the second lockdown. We’re a group of 27 with lots of girls on the waiting list. The age ranges are four to 23.
“A few years ago, the troupe was under a different name. Although we had gone over and represented England a few times, we had never done that well.
“All the parents are so, so grateful to Philippa and Faye for all the hard work they put into this troupe. The members would not be where they are without them.”
A post on the Elysian Twirlers Facebook page after the competition said: “What an incredible weekend we’ve had with the England team at the European Championships!
“Congratulations on all your performances and results! We saw our members perform their hearts out and absolutely smash their routines.
“And with that we draw to a close our first competitive season, we are so proud of every single one of you, hard work truly pays off!”
To reach the competition in Italy, the Elysian Twirlers' members had to take part in a national selections tournament in Weston-super-Mare.
They then competed against 13 other countries at the European Championship: Italy, Croatia, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Romania, Netherlands, France, Germany, Belgium, Moldova, Luxembourg, and Scotland.
The Elysian Twirlers members who represented England were: Lola Kinsey, Logan Chisnall, Faith Shortland, Grace Uppington, Chloe Harding, Kacey Tyer, Maisie Honey, Philippa Martin, Yasmin Hughes, Jasmine Fellows, Millie Irish, Chelsea Roberts, Maddie Fellows, Summer-Lea Trim, Faye Martin, Amy Baker, Kasey Holbrook and Kia Brown.
Elysian Twirlers train at Eastover Youth Centre in All Saints Terrace, Westonzoyland Road, Bridgwater.
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