THIS year’s Wells Carnival on November 15 is being dedicated to Maurice Day, who died in September while on holiday with his wife Josie on the Isle of Wight.
Maurice was President and had been a Wells City Carnival committee member on and off for more than 50 years.
Paul Toole, who is in charge of programmes and media for Wells City Carnival, paid tribute to Maurice in an online video message.
He said: “This year’s Wells City Carnival holds special significance as it’s dedicated to our former President Maurice Day who sadly passed away just a month before this year’s event.”
He said that for many years, “Maurice played a vital role in shaping Wells City Carnival into the spectacular celebration it is today. His dedication, passion and tireless work have left a lasting mark on our community and his presence will be forever cherished.” And he concludes: “Let’s light up the night in Maurice’s honour knowing that his memory will continue to inspire us for many years to come.”
Robert Hales, the Chairman of Wells City Carnival, says that Maurice’s death is a great loss to the carnival family across Somerset. Writing in this year’s Wells Carnival programme, he adds: “He was a member of the Wells City Carnival Committee for many years and was the front man of our procession for most of them. Maurice was there in all weathers, entertaining the crowd. He will be missed.
“Our thoughts are with Maurice’s wife, Josie, his sons, Jonathan and Simon, and their families and friends.”
Maurice and Josie celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in August 2020.
In January this year, Maurice received a Mayoral Award at the city council’s Civic Awards ceremony in Wells Town Hall for his contribution to carnival.
His family say that there will be a celebration of life service for him, the details of which they will announce in due course.