Thanks to the sterling efforts of Solihull Lions, led by Lion Paul Jolly, what could have been the end of the Carnival in Solihull, turned out to be a great community and PR event for the Club.
Locally within the Borough Solihull Rotary Club had always organised Solihull Carnival whilst Shirley Rotary Club organised Shirley Donkey Derby. When Solihull Rotary folded Shirley Round Table took over Solihull Carnival. When Shirley Rotary Club also folded Shirley Round Table decided to drop Solihull Carnival and take over Shirley Donkey Derby as it was on their patch. This of course left no-one to organise Solihull Carnival.
All this happened in March and at that time a desperate Solihull Council approached Solihull Lions to see if they would take over Solihull carnival. As the Carnival was in June this left Solihull Lions just three months to take over one of the biggest community events in the Borough.
Come the big day all the entertainment was all booked and present, 40 stalls were booked and in attendance, the fun fair was up and running and the Mayor present to officially open the event.
On a bright sunny day the public of Solihull turned up to enjoy the annual Carnival blissfully unaware of the trauma that had preceded and how if it were not for Solihull Lions there would not have been a Carnival this year.
Lion Paul Jolly said “the last few months have been absolutely hectic making sure everything was in place, but everything was OK on the day and from the funds raised the Club will be able to make a significant donation to the local Reynolds Cross Special School”
Despite the trauma of this year Solihull Lions are not deterred and will be organising the Carnival on an annual basis from now on.
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