Carnival faces struggle to stay afloat

[<No Name>]

Time is running out to save Ashford’s annual carnival.

The parade, which dates back to 1933, has been managed by Terry and Brenda ****inson from Willesborough since 1974.

But last year the pensioners decided to retire and appealed for someone else to help keep it afloat.

Yet despite continued attempts, no-one has stepped forward. And with just three months to go, there are mounting fears it may disappear altogether.

Mr ****inson, 83, said: “We have done our time running it but no one seems interested anymore.

“It would be such a shame as everyone still wants to see it go ahead. Last year was great; we had people who came out to support us along the whole route. We had a fantastic time with the event.”

The call for help in organising the carnival is echoed by town centre chiefs – desperate to see one of the rare days which unites the town and brings huge crowds into the town centre kept alive.

Viv Kenny from the Ashford Town Centre Partnership said: “We sent out the forms after last year’s carnival thanking people for taking part and asking them to sign up for the next one. We are already getting forms back and people are still keen to take part. It would be a great shame if it does not continue.”

Brenda ****inson, 75, said: “Over the years we have asked people to take over. There’s hardly any money left in the fund – but it’s not the money. It needs some group to get involved and be willing to do all the organising.”

The couple say they have about six volunteers who help them but it may need a group such as a social club to continue running the carnival. Costs for carnivals have risen over the years with higher insurance premiums and bands demanding more money to attend.

The Designer Outlet and other local businesses have contributed to funds over the years and the money collected on the day is put towards the running costs.

Mr ****inson, whose old Austin Gypsy jeep has been a familiar sight in the procession, said: “It has a great history. The first year we had the band of the Royal Marines and the Navy marching along. The Miss Ashford crown was made when the carnival started by Joe Fagg and Sonny Hanson back in the 1930s. Think of all the girls who have worn that crown over the years.”

The couple say they will be happy to advise anyone who takes over the carnival.

The colourful free event has in recent years begun in Stanhope before winding its way through the streets to the town centre and concluding in North Park.

The news will come as a blow to groups such as the Moat Housing Association involved in the regeneration of Stanhope. The residents won the prize for the best float at last year’s procession. Over the Easter holiday they are asking residents and children to choose the theme for this year’s entry

[Moonlight Angel]

Poor pensioners

[Josh in Macon]

Originally Posted by Moonlight Angel

Poor pensioners

god i love you!!