A POPULAR and successful Barnoldswick event could be in jeopardy this year, as too few people struggle with too much organisational work.

Unless more volunteers step forward to help run Barnoldswick's annual Victorian Day, it won't just celebrate the past - it will become a thing of the past.

Held in November, the Victorian Day has grown into an eagerly anticipated event, drawing large numbers of people into the town and raising money for local good causes. Only last month four £100 cheques were presented to local groups, while a further £500 has been pledged to West Craven High School's bid for technology college status.

All that money was raised at last year's Victorian Day, organised by members of Barnoldswick Chamber of Trade. But as the event has grown, the number of people working to make it a success has fallen, and unless more volunteers step forward there will be no Victorian Day this year.

Stewart Cawthorne, chairman of the Chamber of Trade, wrote to his members with that warning, and urging them to attend a meeting last Tuesday to start planning the Victorian Day.

He wrote: "The work involved need not be a lot for each individual, providing we have enough volunteers to spread the load. If we do not get the required help this year, the Victorian Day simply will not take place and this would be a sad state of affairs after its previous success."

But this week Stewart told the Herald there had been a disappointing response to his plea, with just a handful of members turning up at the meeting.

"For various reasons I've lost some key people who helped to organise it in previous years and I need to replace them," said Stewart. "If I can't do that then we can't hope to run a Victorian Day this year."

In his letter to members, Stewart stressed the value of the event to Barnoldswick businesses, not just on the day but in the longer term too, by introducing more people to Barnoldswick.

Ironically, the Victorian Day could prove a victim of its own success, and that of other initiatives designed to boost local trade, like the Barlick Gold shoppers' loyalty scheme.

Stewart explained: "The efforts we've put in over the past five years are starting to pay off. Consequently, people are busier running their shops and businesses and have even less time to do extra things."

In a last bid to save the Victorian Day, Stewart is widening the net to draw in new volunteer helpers. In particular he hopes to attract Barnoldswick's retired traders and businesspeople, who might now have more time on their hands.

Anyone who feels they could help should telephone Stewart as soon as possible on 01282 816091. The decision about whether the event will go ahead this year will be made at the next Chamber of Trade meeting on June 7.

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