Shrewsbury carnival will fold after this year if volunteers don’t come forward to help, warn desperate organisers.
Despite several appeals in the Chronicle, no-one has volunteered to join the carnival committee.
Gill Puttock, secretary, and her husband, Graham, who is chairman, are desperate for more help in organising the event which has raised more than £100,000 for good causes since 2000.
A large part of the work has been done for the last 14 years by the Puttock family, who make up half of the committee. Gill and Graham’s daughter Aislinn, son Simon and Aislinn’s partner Dale all help organise it.
But Gill says they feel they can no longer continue as it is too much work for the small group and she is also concerned about Graham’s health as he had a heart attack in February.
The pair say they are both stepping down after this year and unless new members are found the carnival will not take place in 2010.
She said: “We really need people to come forward and help us as we need fresh ideas – we don’t want to keep doing it as it is so much work for just a few people and I believe new blood is needed to keep the carnival vibrant and fresh. “So far we’ve had no luck at all with our appeal, and next year’s carnival won’t go ahead if things don’t change.
“We are also trying to run a family business and I don’t want Graham to continue as chairman as he’s supposed to be cutting back on the work he does and avoiding stress. I want to step down this year, Aislinn and Dale have just had a baby and so don’t have the time, and Simon can’t take on all the responsibility as he is only 22.
“For this year, we are desperately short of charity and trade stalls so I would urge people to enter them. I also need all the winners from last year to contact me to arrange for the return of cups and shields.”
The committee needs 10 new members. For more information about joining the committee or to enter a charity or trade stall call Gill on 07973 803067. To enter a float for this year’s carnival, which takes place on June 13, contact Eric Bishop on 01743 233378.