THE CHAIRMAN of Pershore’s Carnival committee has paid tribute to the ‘magnificent’ support from town residents after the event’s future was secured at the eleventh hour.
Colin Shepherd spoke to the Observer after the extraordinary general meeting of the Carnival committee on Monday (September 12) saw all of the committee vacancies filled and a host of volunteers offer their help.
Fears the event could be axed were sparked when a spate of resignations forced Mr Shepherd to adjourn the AGM on August 12 due to a lack of people to fill positions on the committee.
But the rallying call – made public on our front page last week – saw residents from Pershore and surrounding villages flock to the meeting at Pershore Sports Club on Defford Road.
“The support from the general public of Pershore and the surrounding villages was magnificent, a number of people have agreed to sit on the committee while two have agreed to be secretary and treasurer,” he said.
“We have always had helpers but this situation was sparked with losing key people in hugely important committee positions, many for personal reasons.
“But we just had people turn up on the night and when we asked what area they could be interested in they sat and listened and everyone there expressed their willingness to take part in the carnival.
A carnival has been held in the town every year since 1968, although some claim such events began in Pershore during Victorian times.
After the successful rallying call, the event looks set to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2018 and Mr Shepherd said the response meant a great deal personally as well as for the event.
“I’ve lived in Pershore all my life and there were people there who I’d never met before including our new treasurer who apparently lives not far from me but we have never met!,” he said.
“The people of Pershore had to come out and show they wanted a carnival and they did that superbly.
“I am sure was in response to your coverage on the front page of your newspaper, so as chairman of the committee I thank you very much.
“Now let’s hope for an even bigger and better carnival for next year and beyond,” he added.
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.
A further meeting of the new committee will be held on October 10 where the calendar of fund-raising events leading up to Carnival day on May 29, 2017 will be approved.
