WELL, that's another Wroughton Carnival done and dusted, and we believe it was the most successful yet.

Everyone who took part did so with great spirit and enthusiasm, happily paying the small entrance fee that was imposed for the first time this year.

On carnival day we were approached by many members of the public and asked if the carnival committee would continue to work with future carnivals (folks had heard the rumours of our discontent).

A few weeks ago we received letters criticising our decision to introduce an entry fee to the main carnival arena.

Our financial situation was looking desperate. Voluntary contributions and corporate sponsorship was diminishing.

In our opinion an entry fee looked to be the last hope of raising enough money to pay for the carnival (approximately £10,000).

The criticism knocked us back and we asked ourselves do we really want all this worry and work? Is the carnival that important to us? After much talk and persuasion of the majority over the minority, we decided yes.

So we continued and are delighted to say that the extra effort and changes that have been made this year look to have financially secured the future of Wroughton Carnival.

In previous years we have asked for help. Some have said yes (we never saw them), some forgot (we saw them in the beer tent) and some said nothing. We need more serious help. Not necessarily committee members but foot soldiers, who, during the final week before the carnival, will help build and dismantle the event or just for an hour or two on the day.

Since the carnival we have received many letters from the public including one from a main critic of our plans, congratulating us on a great event.

For these we say thank you.

Finally if the people of Wroughton want the carnival to continue then let us know.

We will be at the White Hart, Wroughton, presenting prizes and monies on Friday this week at 7.30pm.

Please bring with you contact names, prices for fencing or toilet hire etc, and your commitment to help with this great event.

Let's start planning for next July 10 Wroughton Carnival 2004.

WROUGHTON CARNIVAL COMMITTEE