WITH this year’s Wells Carnival only a few weeks away, the organising committee is appealing for more people to volunteer as marshals and collectors.
The event takes place on Friday, November 15, and while there are a number of people ready to help marshal the event, more are still needed.
They would be given training and would be required from 4.30pm until about 11pm. They will work in teams in given sections with a lead marshal, keeping the public safe and back from the procession. More experienced marshals will handle any incidents.
As a bonus they will get free fish and chips from Tuckers before they start.
People interested should contact Nigel Clarke, the Chief Marshal, by emailing clarkedesign@aol.com
There is also an appeal for more collectors to help to boost the money raised on the night.
Wells Carnival now costs the organising committee more than £20,000 to organise, while the average collection over the past ten carnivals is £11,500, of which a large proportion is donated to local charities and good causes.
“We need to significantly increase our income. The collection remains fairly static but costs to the committee increase each year,” said Treasurer Tony Frazier.
“Currently we have to supplement our income by fundraising at other events and with generous donations from local sponsors and charges to the food vendors on the night.”
Collectors who want to raise funds for their own organisation will receive 40 per cent of the amount they collect. Those who also help with counting the collection will be paid £3 per hour per person.
“We welcome any organisation or individuals who would like to take part in the knowledge that they are helping to preserve the future of what is quite simply the hidden secret of Somerset, our wonderful carnivals,” said Tony.
Anyone who can help should email him on tonyelaine1@sky.com for further information including when and where.
People who will be attending the carnival are being urged to save their loose change through October to give to the collectors. It is being stressed that while carnival is a ‘free’ event, without everyone chipping in it will come to an end.
Organisers point out that the street vendors who sell balloons and flashing toys are nothing to do with carnival.
“They are not invited and do not make any contributions to help fund the event,” said Nigel.
“I would like to ask the public to consider a donation – for charity – rather than a cheap toy. By our calculations the vendors make more money on the evening than we do.”
He reminded those attending that they need to be appropriately dressed, and that they should always stand in a safe area and follow any instructions given by the marshals. Parking should be in designated car parks or on roads where parking is allowed and not in driveways unless invited to do so, he added.
“We also have a child safety policy, if any child gets lost, the parents should immediately speak to the nearest marshal with details of the child and we will start a search.”