THE future of one of Teesdale’s longest running carnivals could be in jeopardy if more people don’t come forward to help organise it.
Preparations are already underway for Staindrop Carnival which will celebrate its 100th year on Saturday, July 11. However, the lack of volunteers is threatening the event’s future existence.
There is currently a team of seven people working together to plan the big day – three fewer than last year.
Events team manager Tony Smith said he was concerned they would struggle to organise this year’s event.
He said: “There are seven of us now. We had ten last year. We have lost three due to work commitments.
“We could do it, just, but it would be a bit of a battle. If we can’t get any more volunteers to help on the events team this year, the carnival could be in jeopardy.
“I started planning for this year’s event back in November. Sometimes people don’t realise that there is so much planning involved before the event takes places.
“It is all volunteer based. There is a lot to do.”
Mr Smith, who has been on the carnival’s events team for six years, is urgently calling on more volunteers to come forward.
He said: “We are looking for people to join the events team and take on an area of responsibility. It can be whatever workload they want to put into it.”
Mr Smith explained that the road closure has already been arranged with Durham County Council and St John’s Ambulance has been booked for the day. Music has also been organised for the main arena. Other tasks include planning the procession, selling raffle tickets, ensuring health and safety measures are in place, judging competitions and helping to put up marquees.
Mr Smith said: “We are also looking for volunteers to help set up on the day and break down. There are gazebos and stalls to set up.
“At the end of the day we then have to take it all down and make sure the greens are left as they were.”
A public meeting is being held on Thursday, January 16, at the Wheatsheaf Inn, Staindrop, to discuss ideas for the event.
Anyone interested in getting involved is encouraged to attend. The meeting will start at 7.15pm. Volunteers will then be required to meet once a month to discuss on-going progress.
Mr Smith said: “I think it has got to be Teesdale’s longest running carnival.
“It started at the end of World War One as a celebration and it developed from there. There have been a few years where it has not happened.
“It is always a good carnival. There is always a good turn out and it is well supported.”
Various events are being organised during the run up to the day to raise funds to help cover costs. This includes car boot sales and an Easter duck race.
For more information contact Mr Smith on 07789 236081.
