From Gilbert The Gull To Barry The Buck

[Dave]

From Gilbert The Gull To Barry The Buck

For the last four seasons Steve Jegat has pulled on the Gilbert The gull suit and entertained the crowd up at Plainmoor. He put so much into the role and had to be the most popular Gilbert ever. So why has he flown the nest and ended up at Buckland Athletic?

In Steve’s own words


GILBERT HAS RESIGNED LEFT THE NEST!

Hi Guys sorry to say this but as of today I have had no choice but to deactivate my page due to ongoing issues with the media dept

I am restricted on what I posted photos taken on match days had to authorised before posting just of late
I opened the page 4 years ago with no problems but now I'm told I shouldn't of done

This was for fans to post pictures of themselves smiling with Gilbert for me to interact with the fans and families
It was about what Gilbert did behind the scenes putting 100% effort and passion promoting the club all voluntary
This season has been hard and testing the media dept doesn't follow Gilbert so I got me little mate to take pictures but that was questioned

In 4 years Gilbert has been washed repaired at my own time and expense all the festive costume changes my expense
It takes dedication to wear Gilbert for 4 hours on a match day and just recently for the young gulls Christmas Party 3 costume changes but no sign of the media dept attendance

My little mate took pictures but all photos had to be authorised not a thank you for your hard work apart from one person that has supported me throughout my 4 years

It's hard to continue to be the crazy mascot that once was with all these ridiculous restrictions a mascot should be free to enjoy entertaining from start to finish

So that's it from me guys it's been fabulous meeting you all high 5 dabs and messing your hair up enjoy your new year and all the best for the future

Lots of love
Steve xx

Sadly many people now think this country has become too PC mad, a thought I fully agree with. Many years ago you were allowed to take photos of your children’s school pantomime, but that is no longer the case. Gilbert The Gull had his own facebook page were photos of young fans taken with Gilbert were posted, was this really a problem?

Not in my book but as someone who spent years taking match photos I know how things have changed and not for the good.

I for one am very glad Steve has not given up something he loves doing and is very good at. Buckland is a club on the up while Torquay United is a club sadly going the wrong way both on and off the pitch.

Good luck to Steve at his new club and good luck to Buckland for the rest of the season.