THE FUTURE of Pershore’s iconic carnival is uncertain after a spate of resignations forced organisers to call an extraordinary general meeting (EGM), the Observer can reveal.
A rallying call has now gone out to local residents who want to ensure the town’s iconic May Bank Holiday event remains a permanent fixture on Pershore’s calendar.
Carnival chairman Colin Shepherd told the Observer he had no choice but to call the meeting for 7pm on Monday (September 12) at Pershore Sports Club on Defford Road.
The move was sparked after ‘numerous’ resignations at the annual general meeting on August 30, two of which were carnival officers.
“At this point as Chairman I had no alternative but to adjourn the meeting as we had no other person or persons to fill these important positions,” he said.
“Along with other resignations we could not continue at the point of ‘Election of Officers’ and committee members,” he added.
A carnival has been held in the town every year since 1968, although some claim such events began in Pershore during Victorian times.
Should the rallying call prove successful, the event will celebrate it’s 50th anniversary in 2018 and Mr Shepherd said he hoped the people of Pershore would come to the carnival’s aid.
“It’s with great regret I have had to call the meeting and ask the people of Pershore for help but I have to ask, do local residents want a carnival?
“We would welcome anyone to come along and find out more, what positions are available and how they can support the event.
“We would certainly welcome new and young members who could possibly bring new and fresh ideas to the table.
“But simply, anyone with the time and desire to help support the most popular carnival in the county on May Bank Holiday Monday and help with fund-raising event in the run up to the big day would be welcome to join us,” he added.
The carnival committee is made up of around a dozen volunteers who meet once a month throughout the year to discuss and plan the carnival and the other fund-raising events such as the ever popular Duck Race.
Numerous local causes have benefited from funds raised during the carnival over the years and this year’s event saw cheques presented to Hopscotch and the South Worcester Life Saving Association.
Anyone who would like to know more is invited to attend the EGM or call Colin Shepherd on 01386 553585 for more information.
