THE FUTURE of Liphook Carnival could be in jeopardy unless more volunteers come forward to help on the organising committee. This was the stark warning from the Chairman, Jane Laver, speaking at the committee's AGM last week. Mrs Laver, who has been at the helm of the event for the past 15 years said that committee currently has just five members. Previous years there has been around 18 people helping to co-ordinate the carnival which takes place at the end of October and is the biggest, single event on the local calendar. As a result the carnival could be significantly scaled down or even axed completely. The committee's long-standing treasurer, Ian Haussauer is to also stand down because of other commitments. "Fewer and fewer people are now left trying to organise a big event," said Mrs Laver. "I think the lack of volunteers its part of a general trend where people are becoming more reluctant to volunteer onto committees because they think it will be too great a commitment. "But I would stress that the Liphook Carnival committee only has ten meetings a year which we try to make as fun and informal as possible." It is feared that unless more people come forward the first casualties of the event could be the afternoon entertainment put on for the children and the bonfire held in Radford Park. The loss of the bonfire would be keenly felt by those who regularly attend the event because the 103-year old carnival started as an "Old Boys Bonfire Club" and is a key part of the tradition of the event. The childrens afternoon entertainment includes the fancy dress competition which takes place at the Bohunt hall to hear the results Mrs Laver added that the procession of floats which begins at 7 pm and proceeds around the village after the crowning of the carnival queen would be "the last thing to go". The carnival committee has to co-ordinate the floats taking part in the procession, organise the advertising and produce the event programme which is distributed to thousands of residents across the area. All of which Mrs Laver has admitted is time- consuming. Last year around 6,000 people flocked to the event which saw floats from organisations and private individuals enter elaborate floats parade throughout the village. "Although it is wonderful to see hundreds of people involved in the procession on carnival night, more help is needed throughout the year," added Mrs Laver. Funds from the event goes towards a number of local worthy causes. This year the £4,400 is being split between Liphook Scouts and Guides, over 60s club, St John's Ambulance and the local schools." A series of events are held throughout the year to raise funds for the carnival including a quiz evening in May and the carnival walk in September. The committee's next event is the fashion show held at Bohunt School on March 17. For more information and for details about becoming a committee member contact 01428 722688.