The recent celebration of 75 years by the Midsomer Norton Carnival Association took me back to the first parade when I was a torch bearer.

The first few years were lit by torches, made by the Scouts and Cubs in the Scout H.Q (comprised of two mission huts left over from World War Two) and placed at the end of Gullock Tyning. This is where the Somer Centre was built over twenty years ago and where I am a founding member and trustee.

Torches were made from the Tate and Lyle golden syrup tins - remember those? A pole was pushed through the base, wadding was pushed firmly inside and then soaked in oil.

On Carnival nights we took all the torches up to Stones Cross to light up and spread out to illuminate the procession up the High Street. We were all dressed in our uniforms - I was then in training as a Cub Mistress.

Please continue with organising Carnivals in the future so all can enjoy this marvellous spectacle.

Yours sincerely,

Shirley Steel