Carnivals will perish without volunteers

9:30am Saturday 15th November 2008

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ROMSEY’S winter carnival could be the last if volunteers don’t come forward to help run next year’s events.

The news comes as four long-serving carnival committee members – Peter Lomer, Jackie Fry, Ian Richards and Andy Cash – prepare to organise their final parade on Saturday, November 22. Only two committee members –Rachel Upfold and Kai Drake – plan to stay on. Without others to help Mr Lomer says it would be impossible to carry on.

He warned: “Unless volunteers are found to take over the duties of organising the 2009 summer and winter carnivals, next week will see the last winter carnival procession.”

Urging Romsonians to support the carnival tradition, he added: “The profits raised by the carnival committee are given to local charities and organisations. Show your support for these groups by giving generously.”

The summer carnival in July saw a resurgence in interest in the event. The largest crowd for many years turned out to watch the show which attracted a greater number of procession entries than in recent years. Its success came after organisers switched the parade from a Saturday evening to Sunday afternoon in a bid to get more people to get involved.

The winter parade coincides with Christmas lights switch-on ceremony, organised by Romsey Chamber of Commerce.

The carnival parade sets off from Station Road at 6pm and then heads down Latimer Street before turning left in to the Hundred and then turns right into Palmerston Street. It will then travel along Broadwater Road before making its way up Bell Street and into the Market Place. The best entry in the show will be presented with the Len Fry Challenge Cup. At 6.30pm the Christmas lights will be turned on.

Carnival organisers have warned the public that rolling road closures will be in operation during the event.

And on December 3 there is a carnival Christmas tea dance at the Crosfield Hall starting at 2pm. There will be a £4 charge to enter and this includes refreshments. Music will be provided by Clive Spurrier.

The carnival AGM is in January and this will be crunch time for the organisation. If no new volunteers come forward Romsey’s two annual carnivals could be axed.

Looking forward to the Christmas lights switch-on town centre manager Christine Cole said: “The Chamber of Commerce, town centre management and Romsey Town Council are looking forward to seeing everyone in the Market Place for the switch-on event and we hope to build on the record numbers of people who joined in the festivities last year. Special thanks go to Anne Marsh from the chamber who has been the driving force in bringing this event to Romsey again this year.”

* Carnival activities kick off next Wednesday (November 19) with a quiz night at the Comrades Club at 8pm. Entrance is £5 per team.