A POPULAR Somerset carnival club is facing one of its “toughest challenges” after their base was flooded.
In January, Storm Chandra and relentless rainfall brought widespread flooding to Somerset, with dozens of properties hit by rising water levels for weeks.
Among the victims was the Pentathlon Carnival Club, based in Moorland, which saw its shed submerged under more than three-feet of floodwater at the height of the devastation, which prompted a major incident declaration across the county.
“The water has remained standing inside the shed for the past three weeks,” a spokesperson said.
“Although we managed to remove our carnival cart before the floodwater entered the building, it has now been left exposed to relentless rain and wind for the same three-week period.
“What we saved from floodwater has since suffered from the winter weather and the timber and wiring is no longer salvageable.
“Inside the shed, the damage is heartbreaking. Years of hard work, materials, tools, wood, wiring, and essential equipment have been soaked and contaminated. Much of it will need to be replaced entirely.
“For a small village club like ours, this is a huge setback.”
Pentathlon CC is now fundraising to replace and repair equipment
They said Pentathlon “isn’t just about building a cart” and said the losses would damage the community itself.
“We are part of Moorland’s identity. We bring people together across generations, families, friends, neighbours, all working side by side to create something special for carnival season,” the spokesperson went on.
“Carnival means community. It means pride. It means keeping local traditions alive.
“But right now, we need help to make sure we can build our 2026 entry and keep that tradition going.”
Now, the group is fundraising to replacing everything from damaged wood and structural materials, to electrical components and clearing up the flood-hit shed.
“Every donation, no matter how small, will go directly towards rebuilding and helping us get back on our feet,” the spokesperson added.
“If you are able to donate, we would be incredibly grateful. If you can’t donate, sharing this page would mean just as much. The more people who hear our story, the better chance we have of rebuilding stronger than ever.
“Moorland has always been a community that pulls together in tough times. With your support, we can restore our shed, rebuild our cart, and proudly return to carnival in 2026.
“Thank you for standing with Pentathlon Carnival Club.”
READ MORE: Bridgwater news from your Somerset Leveller
Pentathlon’s entry in the 2025 Bridgwater Carnival. Picture: Daniel Holt Photography
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