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Aviation Gremlin LegendAlthough their origin is found in myths among airmen, claiming that the gremlins were responsible for sabotaging aircraft, John W. Hazen states that "some people" derive the name from the Old English word gremian, "to vex." Since the Second World War, different fantastical creatures have been referred to as gremlins, bearing varying degrees of resemblance to the originals.
The term "gremlin" denoting a mischievous creature that sabotages aircraft, originates in Royal Air Force (RAF) slang in the 1920s among the British pilots stationed in Malta, the Middle East and India, with the earliest recorded printed use being in a poem published in the journal Aeroplane, in Malta on April 10, 1929. Later sources have sometimes claimed that the concept goes back to World War I, but there is no print evidence of this. An early reference to the Gremlin is in aviator Pauline Gower's The ATA: Women with Wings (1938) where Scotland is described as "gremlin country", a mystical and rugged territory where scissor-wielding gremlins cut the wires of biplanes when unsuspecting pilots were about. An article by Hubert Griffith in the servicemen's fortnightly Royal Air Force Journal dated April 18, 1942, also chronicles the appearance of gremlins, although the article states the stories had been in existence for several years, with later recollections of it having been told by Battle of Britain Spitfire pilots as early as 1940. This concept of gremlins was popularized during the Second World War among airmen of the UK's RAF units, in particular the men of the high-altitude Photographic Reconnaissance Units (PRU) of RAF Benson, RAF Wick and RAF St Eval. The creatures were responsible for otherwise inexplicable accidents which sometimes occurred during their flights. Gremlins were also thought at one point to have enemy sympathies, but investigations revealed that enemy aircraft had similar and equally inexplicable mechanical problems. As such, gremlins were portrayed as being equal opportunity tricksters, taking no sides in the conflict, and acting out their mischief from their own self-interests. In reality, the gremlins were a form of "buck passing" or deflecting blame. This led the folklorist John Hazen to note, "Heretofore, the gremlin has been looked on as new phenomenon, a product of the machine age — the age of air." |
Gremlins Carnival ClubOur judging class is "Features", meaning that the cart and its personnel will be judged on movement, lighting, costumes, make-up and overall effect.
Carnival is the life-blood of Bridgwater and people learn important values when joining the clubs. There is a strong family feeling with Gremlins, especially as many of the members are related! There are many families within the club with up to four generations of the same family being involved. Gremlins also have a junior member scheme aiming to encourage and develop youngsters into future members. Gremlins never used to travel beyond Burnham and so their carnival year consisted of only three carnivals. This all changed in 1971 when the club hit the big time and won Bridgwater with `Carnival, Tijuana Style'. Realising things had to change; they hastily contacted the other four carnival committees and were accepted. They enjoyed considerable success around the circuit, culminating with a win at Weston. |
"Founded in 1948 by several ex-members of the Royal Air Force Association, Gremlins Carnival Club entered their first cart in 1949"
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Under the rules of Carnival, sponsorship of the entries is not permitted, but is allowed in various other forms. It costs in the region of £10,000 to produce a cart, every opportunity to gain revenue must be explored. Throughout the year we undertake fundraising tasks such as festival security, catering functions and bar hire, various events and sports accumulators. We also sell DVDs and calendars after the carnival and receive a share of the profits from the Carnival Committee.
For a complete timeline of Gremlins history, please have a look at our History. Don't forget to visit Our Headquarters too!
For a complete timeline of Gremlins history, please have a look at our History. Don't forget to visit Our Headquarters too!
