AFTER running the Carnival for 11 years, Liphook’s historic fundraising event, Karen Feeney has officially handed over the reins to her successor, Sally Cameron.

At a glittering farewell ceremony held at the Peak Centre, celebrating outstanding voluntary commitments, Karen was given a worthy farewell.

She told The Herald: “’It has been a pleasure and an honour to be chairperson of the carnival committee for the last 11 years and to be able to put on one of the best annual events in Liphook.

“I hope Sally and her team will continue to have great success with the carnival – and that the tradition of this amazing community event continues for many years to come.

“I have made some wonderful friends while on the committee, including Jill Howie, who is retiring as secretary after 30 years, and I will continue to help in any way I can.

“My special thanks go to the committee for their help and support over the years.

“It’s a wonderful event for the whole community and important to keep it going.

“I would also like to thank Barbara Frost, who has been doing an excellent job in the kitchen at Bohunt with her team on Carnival night over the years and we send her our best wishes for a speedy recovery after her recent illness.

“Bramshott and Liphook Parish Council have been very supportive of the Carnival and last year Sally managed to find some new sponsors, including Old Thorns and Taylor Wimpey, while the Carnival Walk raised a record amount of more than £1,200.”

Her successor Sally said: “I would like to say how much I look forward to the Liphook Carnival every year, the atmosphere, all of the village coming together for a worthy cause and having lots of fun.

“As chair, I plan to build upon the success of last year’s event, providing entertainment for all the family and raising money for Liphook charities and organisations that benefit the young and elderly alike.

“We are very fortunate to still have a Carnival when so many have disappeared – and this is largely due to all the volunteers who give up their time.

“I would like to thank, in particular, Karen, the outgoing chair, Jill, the outgoing secretary and Alison Harris, the outgoing treasurer who have all worked tirelessly for many years to ensure its continued success.

“Finally, without the generosity of local businesses the carnival would not happen, so I look forward to their continued support and goodwill.”

Sally added: “I would also like to welcome the new committee members, Lucy Farnell – our new treasurer, who is an accountant at Traviss & Co in the village, Charlotte Lawrence, our new secretary, as well as Joy Akers, Marc Brystead and Mandy Ellis, who will be working closely with our other volunteers including Lorriane Frain, Paul Johnson and our president Pat Bell.”

Cheques were presented at the annual general meeting to Hampshire Search and Rescue, which volunteers as marshals on carnival night. The money will help towards a First Aid responder,

Hampshire and IOW Air Ambulance will use its money towards running costs, as will Liphook Day Centre for the elderly.

Liphook’s firemen have been raising funds towards the firefighters charity and the village’s Girlguiding group will introduce a new programme for five to 18 year olds.

The money will go towards more resources, as will the money for the First Scouts.

Lt Col James Jack accepted a cheque on behalf of the Poppy Appeal, which supports war casualties and their families, while the Community Support Laundry will put the money towards keeping its prices down.

The Over 60s Club will use the donation towards its annual lunch at Old Thorns and volunteers at the Methodist Church, who have been serving soup and hot drinks on carnival night for the last two years, are planning to do the same this year.

Liphook Village Hall will be using its funds towards improvements and upkeep, the MAD Company, which is now putting on two shows a year at the Millennium Centre, and needs money for more backdrops and stage items.

Little Cherubs nursery is planning to invest in high viz jackets as well as waterproofs for the children’s weekly walk to visit clients at the Day Centre.

Liphook United Football Club, which looks after more than 300 children from the village, will be using funds for improvements to the clubhouse.

The Barry Pope Shield was presented to Adrian Bird, who has been a carnival volunteer for more than 60 years, who is still going strong.

Apart from helping to design, build and be part of the annual Deer’s Hut float, he puts up all the signs around the area before the event and takes them down again afterwards for storage.

•The Liphook Carnival and Bonfire Committee welcomes any new members, call Sally on 07717 313440.