Finding Inspiration in Every Turn

Our Story


In a galaxy not so far away, Tarka Starlightz burst into existence in 2009 under the watchful eye of Chairman Dave Evans.
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It all kicked off in the quaint village of Alverdiscott with a dynamic duo of majorettes, including his daughter Tory. As the weeks danced by, the troupe flourished, blooming from 2 to a fabulous 15 girls for their first showdown.
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In a dazzling turn of events, Dave's other star, Danni, strutted onto the scene in 2010 as the pom-pom queen before swiftly snagging a mace for a military takeover. The troupe's next big leap landed them in Barnstaple, welcoming Mel and Madi into the mix.
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Fast forward to 2012, and Danni stepped up as the girls' guru, guiding a lively troupe of 50 shining stars aged 2 to 20+ with the help of Tory. The galaxy of Tarka Starlightz continues to sparkle and shine under their fabulous leadership!
Meet The Team

DAVE EVANS
Founder & Chairperson
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Hi, I'm Dave, Founder and chairperson of Tarka Starlightz since 2009....15 years!! Dad to Danni and Tory, Grandad to Arabella in Tots.
I store all the equipment and Uniforms, as well as being treasurer for SWAM and running my own business.
At comps you'll often find me taking my position very seriously and you'll find me sitting in my chair!
If I can help in anyway please do not hesitate to ask.
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Amy Stanworth
Vice Chair
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Hi I'm Amy, I'm vice chair to Dave, I'm Rachel's mum- she has been doing majorettes for 6 years... I think! She totally loves it and always loves being part of the girls.
I always look and feel bloody knackered as I run Greenlanes Cafe in Barnstaple as well as hosting foreign students.
I'm often putting up the tent or around that area drinking coffee. I'm happy to help with anything so give me a shout if you want anything or I can help at all. Or if you just want a chat.
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Gemma Shortridge
Treasurer
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Hello, I'm Gemma. I'm the Treasurer of Tarka Starlightz. My daughter Evelyn is in Juniors (I apologise to anyone stood next to me during our routines because I get very excited)
I love helping out and can often be found running around doing various jobs on comp days as well as in the background helping the committee organise fundraising throughout the year.
I have spent the last year studying massage therapy where I aim to get back into working with those with autism and additional needs providing specialised massage and holistic support therapy.
If you need me give a shout!

Connie Gore
Secretary
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Hi, I'm Connie! Secretary for Tarka Satrlightz and mum to Mila in Juniors and Aria in Tots. I'm quite often found running around after Aria as she has additional needs and helping to organise fundraising events.
I spend my time running my own business as well as the usual mum jobs and looking after members of my family.
I'm super organised and love a spreadsheet so being part of the committee is the perfect way for my to support our troupe!
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I'm always happy to help if you have any questions.

Alecia Matravers
Vice Secretary
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Hi I'm Alecia, I'm Vice secretay and a mum to Ellie-Mae who is in her third season with Tarka Starlightz. You will always find me around the Gazebo. If you need any help always ask and I will try my best to help.
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Danni Evans
Trainer and Child protection officer
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Hi I’m Danni, trainer, child protection officer and all round legend! I joined Tarka Starlightz at the end of 2010 and have been head trainer for the girls since 2012. 9 times out of 10 you’ll see me flapping about something minor and if you see me trying to do maths then SEND HELP!
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Madi Broad
Trainer
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Hi, I’m Madi. I’ve been doing majorettes since before I can remember and joined Tarka Starlightz in 2009 when I was still a tot! After competing with Tarka until I was 21 and also competing nationally for our country I hung up my dancing shoes and became a trainer, so you could say I know a thing or two. Most of you will know my little sister Mel who is our senior twirl lead and has been following in my footsteps on the arena since she was 18months old I’m probably the calmest of us four trainers and have been keeping the peace between Danni and Tory since 2010.​
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Tory Evans
Trainer
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Hey! I’m Tory, I was the first member of Tarka Starlightz when it was first started 15 years ago! I now do a bit of everything as most of the older girls know. I’m committee member, hairdresser, trainer, part-time troupe seamstress and as of this year also parent to our youngest tot Arabella (sorry about her she’s a bit crazy). 9 times out of 10 I’ll be found in the hair tent at comps pulling my hair out about one thing or another. I may normally look stressed but always feel free to approach me with any questions or problems and I will always do my best to find a solution
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Meg Jenkins
Committee Member and Hairdresser
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Hello I’m Meg, Lainey and Dottys mum. This is Laineys 3rd comp in Juniors and Dottys 1st year in Tots finally, after being asked for the last 2 years to join, she was finally ready. I have been a hairdresser since I left school hence why you see me doing the girls hair. I also have a son who’s 13 and plays football so when you see him at any comps he will always have a football to hand. Always happy to help with any questions so please feel free to come find me
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Rosa Neville
Committee​
Hi I’m Rosa. My daughter,Bree is in juniors and this is her second season with Tarka Starlightz, and my first year being a committee member. Before having children I lived my dream, working with horses for 18 years. I then worked in respite care with adults with learning disabilities for a few years before starting my current role working as assistant to the premises manager for a multi academy trust, looking after 9 schools, which I absolutely love! Feel free to ask me anything and I’ll do my best to help

Tash
Committee​
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Hi, I‘m Tash, Ellie and Millies mum, who are in Juniors. The girls have been involved with Tarka Starlightz for several years now and this is my 2nd year on the committee. To be honest, after a row of night-shifts in a nursing home I rarely know what day of the week it is but I’m always happy to help where I can. I will always be around somewhere and if I cant help I will point you in the right direction of someone who can. Looking forward to seeing you all at comps.

Sharday
Committee​
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I'm Sharday, a seasoned hairdresser with 12 years of experience and a proud mum to Millie (milz) who is strutting her stuff in her 3rd season. While I usually work my magic in the hair tent, this season I'm taking a more active role as a member of the adult behind-the-scenes team. I absolutely love being a mum to Millie & Matilda, I'm excited to bring that same level of care and support to the team. Let's create unforgettable moments together on that arena #TeamTSL