THE Liphook Carnival committee has dished out funds from last year’s spectacle to groups and organisations.

Fourteen groups benefitted from money raised during the annual carnival quiz night, plus the classic car day at The Deer’s Hut, the carnival walk and the Hairy Pillock film night, as well as donations on the night.

The cash was handed out at the committee’s annual meeting.

The Scouts will use the money to replace some equipment, the Firefighters Charity is offering support to its members when needed, the Village Hall Management Committee is putting the donation toward a new baby changing unit, while the Peak Centre Trust is putting it towards keeping the Day Centre for the elderly running.

The Methodist Church, in London Road, is now serving free coffee, tea and hot soup on Carnival night to revellers on the way to the Bonfire display in Radford Park, while the MAD Company, which will stage its next annual panto at the Millennium Centre, needs funds to update lighting equipment. The Community Support Laundry, which was started four years ago, has added another washing machine and tumble dryer due to popular demand, still only charging £6 per load.

Hampshire Sea and Rescue, a self-funded volunteer organisation, is always in need of donations and aims to put the money towards getting a much-needed new Land Rover. Its members have been volunteering as Carnival marshals and will be on call again during this year’s event in October.

Bramshott and Liphook Voluntary Care Group provides transport for shopping trips and hospital appointments with a shopping bus, and the Royal British Legion is putting its donation towards the annual Poppy Appeal collection. The Guides and Brownies, who are celebrating their 100th anniversary, will support a trip to Switzerland for volunteer rangers, while LAMPS theatre group is aiming to put on a Christmas show.

The Over 60s Club is planning to take out its members for a cream tea on the Watercress Line and the Carers Group holds monthly support meetings at the Day Centre, which are free to attend.

The Barry Pope Memorial Shield was awarded to Scout leader Nigel Woods, who has helped support the Carnival and Bonfire for more than 10 years.

Carnival chairman Karen Feeney said: “The shield was given by Barry’s family and was to be presented each year to someone, not on the committee, who the committee felt had given outstanding help.

“We would like to thank Nigel for his continued hard work with the bonfire each year as well as all those other volunteers and sponsors without whom the annual carnival would not be possible.

“Last year’s event was well attended and we had a slight increase in floats. However, more help is needed to keep it going and we are appealing for more people to take part in the procession.

“The committee always needs more help in all areas and we would welcome new faces at our monthly meetings.”

For more details, call Karen Feeney on 01428 723971 or visit liphookcarnival.org.uk.