Letter: What does Wem Carnival need cash for?

I've been on Shrewsbury Carnival Committee for 13 years, so I do know what I'm on about.

Shrewsbury Carnival (June 15 this year), is run by a group of every day volunteers, without anywhere near that sum. The entrants do their own floats, which incidentally, are mainly provided by local haulage companies, free of charge. Even the drivers give up their day off – free of charge.

The council, to their best of my belief, give no funds to assist this town event.

Expenses are kept to the minimum, none of the committee get any allowance for their expenses, it's all voluntary.

We run a carnival where all profits go to local charities, and over a dozen benefitted last year. If we can run a carnival without £10,000 – or even £1,000, why does Wem need £10,000?

May I take this opportunity to thank the folks who enter floats – incidentally the main group are faith groups. The haulage companies and drivers, without their support there would be no carnival.

Thanks to all those and Joe Public who support us and give to the street collections, which goes to local charities at a public presentation evening, to be held at Shrewsbury Town Football Club this year. For details see www.shrewsburycarnival.co.uk

One last thing, local charities are also invited to have a charity stall at The Quarry (all they take they keep), so the carnival helps them raise funds too, which of course is not included in our income.

Eric S Bishop

Shrewsbury