Advertiser News
Eight good causes share £2,500 of carnival cash
2:30pm Wednesday 1st February 2012
ROMSEY Carnival committee has helped top up charity and other organisations piggy banks in and around the town.
Eight groups – Woodley Toddler Group, Nightingale Lodge Residential Care Home, Romsey Scouts, Timsbury Pre-School, Romsey branch of the British Red Cross, Romsey Group of Parkinson’s Disease Society UK, Romsey Old Cadets Carnival Show Band, Romsey Air and Romsey Army Cadets shared £2,500.
The cash was handed over representative sof the groups by carnival princesses Hannah Newman and Diana Thomas.
Chairman, John Ray, who has agreed to remain in charge of the committee for a second year, said his inaugural year had been a “learning curve”, but he’d received help and guidance from an excellent committee.
Mr Ray said: “I believe we have succeeded in making the 2011 carnival an event worth coming to see. We managed to raise just over £3,000 from the 2011 carnival events, which I think is a terrific achievement considering the present economic climate.”
Thanking his committee and other volunteers, Mr Ray said: “A lot of people, too numerous to mention individually, gave up their time and effort during both carnival weeks, so the committee thanks them publicly and a special thank you must go to the Romsey Town Marshals, Romsey Air Cadets and Romsey Army Cadets. Without their help the processions could not take place.”
Mr Ray also thanked bosses at Grove Place Retirement Village in Nursling for sponsoring last year’s summer and winter parades.
Romsey Carnival Committee has already received two donations totalling £550 towards this year’s events. However, the committee is asking town businesses to consider contributing to running costs of events and public liability insurance.
The committee has already contacted some businesses asking if they are prepared to give £25 towards the public liability insurance premium due in March.
Mr Ray said: “So far, only one business has given £50. The committee’s view is that a small donation from a large number of businesses has a better chance of success. This has not been the case. So if there is any business that can spare a donation of £25, please can they contact me.”
Charities and organisations who would like to be considered for a 2012 donation are asked to contact carnival secretary, Jackie Fry, at romseycarnival@hotmail.co.uk, or write to her at 46 Mountbatten Avenue, Romsey, SO51 8DZ.
This summer’s Romsey Carnival Week will run from Monday, July 16 until Sunday, July 22, when the parade will be staged.