Majorettes from Guernsey will be heading to two competitions in the UK this year – the first time they have competed since 2020.
This weekend 25 competitors and three leaders will head to the British Baton Twirling Association’s Spring Championship in Blackpool and then in November, a Guernsey contingent will enter the GBBTA World Championship taking place in Blackpool Tower.
Ravenscroft and Artex Risk Solutions have agreed to co-sponsor both trips.
Lucy McKenzie said: “Guernsey Majorettes have been competing nationally and internationally since 1997 but Covid stopped us from travelling. We have managed to compete online but it isn’t the same and we really wanted to give youngsters the chance to compete properly. Unfortunately, our fundraising efforts over the last few years have also been limited due to the pandemic; we reduced our non-essential contact with one another for nearly two years which put a stop to our usual fundraising initiatives.
“In addition, we were unable to perform during 2020 and saw a marked reduction in performances in 2021 and 2022 which meant the donations we sometimes receive from event organisers also reduced. All of the members are so grateful for the support from Ravenscroft and Artex Risk Solutions – it means we can ensure the travel costs for those competing in the UK do not need to increase substantially from what they have been in the past.
“Groups such as The Guernsey Majorettes don’t always attract as much support and we are so grateful to both organisations for their sponsorship – it means a lot that two local companies can see the good work we do and are happy to help.”
The Guernsey Majorettes have more than 90 members with the youngest being pre-schoolers.
Mrs McKenzie said there were many benefits for those who go away to compete: “In the UK, particular in the north of the country, majorettes and baton twirling are hugely popular and the skills and abilities of some that we compete against are fantastic – having the chance for our members to travel and compete in that environment is hugely beneficial for their development in terms of technical skills but also confidence as well. There are so many benefits which is why the leaders, who are all volunteers, are so keen to give the majorettes the chance to travel and compete. Thanks to Ravenscroft and Artex, we can now do that.”
