A VILLAGE tradition could come to an end if new volunteers do not come forward, after decades of providing a community event.

The committee that organises Sychdyn Carnival told the Leader they may not be able to continue the annual tradition next year if they do not recruit new members.

Rachel Hayward said there are only five people on the committee at the moment, some of which are resigning next year.

She added: "There's only five of us on the committee at the moment, it really does rely on volunteering and helping out.

"The funds raised from the carnival goes towards the upkeep of the park, which is there for the community to use, and the insurance and all of the equipment.

"It's been like that for as long as I can remember so without the carnival, it's going to be difficult to support the park.

"There's not enough on the existing committee as it stands now but there's a couple of members who aren't keen to continue next year.

"We need to get a few more people involved and interested so we can keep the carnival going, which has become a tradition, but also the park."

Rachel said the carnival has been going for many years and remembers being on the float when she was a child.

She said: "It would be a shame for the whole community if it didn't continue next year.

"Every year we do ask around for help and support but no-one ever steps forward.

"It does take a lot of time and dedication, but everyone uses the park. The carnival is not just a village event, the purpose is to keep the park going."

Cllr Marion Bateman said she has put her name forward to help out if needed and has every faith in her village.

She told the Leader: "It's always been a resounding success, every year no matter what the weather is like.

"We always have a brilliant turn out, virtually all of the village turns out to enjoy the day.

"Funds raised go towards the pics and it will be sorely missed if it goes.

"I do beg everyone that if they have the time, please volunteer to help out. I'm not on the committee myself as yet but I have put my name down if they need me.

"I usually help out on the day on the gate so I do know how many people come in and it is virtually the whole village.

"It would be devastating if they give it up due to lack of support but I have every faith in the people of Sychdyn and I am sure they will get lots of volunteers.

"It's a wonderful village for community spirit and the people who have been on the committee currently and in the past, they have all done a stirling job and I want to thank them all for what they have done."

Community Councillor Joanne Millar added: “It’s been running at least 30 years.

“All the proceeds go towards funding and maintaining the children’s playground near the village’s school.”

Speaking of the importance of the event going forward, she added: “It’s really important if people want to keep their playground.

“It’s a big tradition as well. A lot of people would be sad if it did stop.

“It’s a really big village and community event and it’s been going for such a long time.

“At the moment there’s only five of us on the committee and its hard to run a day as big as that.

“Hopefully it will continue but we desperately need people to come forward.”

The Carnival will start on the village field at 1pm and will finish around 4pm on Saturday, June 29.

More information can be found on the Sychdyn Carnival Facebook Page by clicking

here

.