Hartford rose fete cancelled due to lack of support (From Northwich Guardian)

Hartford rose fete cancelled due to lack of support

8:30am Wednesday 6th March 2013 in News By Emma Rigby

HARTFORD’S annual NSPCC rose fete will not take place this year after pleas for help from organisers failed to materialise.

Members of the rose fete committee came to the ‘regrettable’ decision after struggling to find enough man power to help organise the 65th year of the popular event.

Since it began, the event has raised close to £50,000 for the NSPCC and has given children in the Hartford area the chance to compete for a series of roles including queen, fairy queen, bouquet bearer and Hartford prince.

Dubbed a ‘temporary blip’, it is hoped the event will be able to return next year.

Anne Whitelegg, chairman of the rose fete committee, said: “It is with much regret that the committee have made the decision not to hold the annual NSPCC rose fete this year.

“For some years now the committee have struggled to find enough man power to help organise and run this popular family event without considerable impact on their personal wellbeing and family commitments.

“Pleas for help, to take on and organise significant areas of the event have not materialised and, although a few offers of help in areas have been made, the committee know that it has not altered the overall situation.

“Although regrettable and the committee fully understand the disappointment the children who have been in the rose fete each year will undoubtedly feel, this is viewed as only a temporary blip.”

Children who are eligible for consideration as rose queen this year will be able to participate in next year’s choosing event and those who would have retired their roles this year will also be invited to do so next year.

Anne added: “The committee will continue in their efforts to recruit sufficient key helpers to ensure the event once again takes its place in the 2014 village calendar.

“While the rose fete has traditionally been one of the main annual fundraising events, Hartford Young NSPCC committee work continually throughout the year hosting events to raise much needed funds for this most worthwhile charity.”

For more information, or if you feel you can help the Rose Fete email hartfordnspcc@aol.com or call Anne on 07550084492 or Helen on 07754079279.