TWO popular village fairs could be called off because of a shortage of volunteers.

Organisers of the Eynsham Carnival and Leafield Fete, both held in the summer, have said the end is in sight if they do not get more help.

The Eynsham event, which began in the 1930s, was held for the 68th consecutive year in July, with more than 2,000 people attending.

Committee chairwoman Julie Jordan, 55, who has never missed a carnival in her life, said it was “gutting” it could now end.

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She said: “The carnival has been going on for so many years. It’s a family day out and it brings everyone together on that one day.

“We were hoping that new people would come on board because our average age group is in the sixties and we’ve got a lot of people who would like to step down.

“I’m still keeping my fingers crossed because we have said we will give it until our next meeting in November, and by then we’ve got to know if we have people on board to help us.”

The carnival includes the traditional shirt race between pubs in wheelbarrows, Morris dancing, a procession led by a marching band and carnival queen, dancing and music performances.

It has a committee of 15 people but up to five of them plan to retire.

Mrs Jordan, who wants to step down, said they may stay on in 2015 to keep the event going for one more year, but will definitely retire after that.

She said there were up to 100 different tasks, such as maintenance work, overseen by the committee.

The committee has put up posters around the village warning that there will be no carnival in 2015 unless people help out.

Jake Acock, 16, won praise from Prime Minister and Witney MP David Cameron for reviving the Leafield Fete last year after it appeared 2009’s event would be the last. About 1,000 people attended in June and marked the centenary of the start of the First World War with stalls and some even dressing up as soldiers.

However, a similar success for next year is looking threatened after the committee started to lose numbers. Some have blamed the lack of village support for saving the 87-year-old tree in The Green, saying that it reduced faith in the community’s drive to get involved with local issues.

The tree was felled after cracks appeared in a house 10m away.

Burford School pupil Jake said he needed to focus on A-levels and six people had left the committee of eight. He said: “I’m still willing to help out but won’t be able to give much support before the event so shouldn’t be involved.”

To get involved with the Eynsham Carnival, call Julie Jordan on 01865 880042, and for the Leafield Fete email jakeacock@hotmail.com


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