A RALLYING call has gone out to groups to have stalls at this year's Bromsgrove Carnival fundraising gala.

The event, held at Sanders Park on Saturday, July 1, will be the last one organised by the Friends of the Princess of Wales Community Hospital, as announced by the Advertiser/Messenger back in February. But now gala organiser Sian Moule says the number of stalls booked for the event was just 20, when usually there were around 70.

Sian, whose father Dennis Valentine founded the gala in 1981, said: "Some people think there is not a gala this year so have not booked a place, but there is and I want to make it the best yet.

"It is an excellent chance for groups to promote themselves and raise cash for the hospital. There is no restriction on stalls and we would love to hear from anyone." People who would like a stall should contact Sian on 01527 873517.

Over the years thousands of pounds have been raised for the hospital through the procession and gala. It was said the Friends would be unable to continue organising the gala in future because of insufficient manpower.

The future of the whole summer event is uncertain as carnival chairman Jeff Evans and gala organiser Sian Moule are both leaving this year.

A public meeting on the future of the carnival was held earlier this year in the Spadesbourne Suite, but only one member of the public and an Advertiser/Messenger reporter attended.

Resident Lyn Haden contacted the paper saying that for the last four years she and her two children had taken part in the carnival parade.

"We have thoroughly enjoyed dressing up and raising money for the hospital. We have also felt proud to be part of the community of Bromsgrove - the place that we choose to call home."

Lyn added: "I know that we all have busy lives, but this is once a year and this time could definitely be the last as the current carnival organisers are stepping down and nobody is there to take their place. This year the parade will be a complete walking one so there is no excuse about transport costs. Let's make this last carnival procession something to remember."