Volunteers who stepped forward to help save Whaley Bridge’s Rose Queen Festival have got down to work with members of the committee, some of whom wish to retire.

Tim Mourne, Rose Queen chairman, with some of his ‘mums’ army’

A ‘mums’ army’ of at least half the volunteers put forward some of their ideas to chairman Tim Mourne.   After sitting with them at a meeting in the Bowling Club reception area, he said:  “I’m very confident at the way things are moving for next year.”

A group of teenage lads has also come forward – Elliot Pickering and Jack Maney, fellow students at Chapel High School, and brothers Stuart and Daniel Stout, living in Warrington but moving to Whaley Bridge soon.

Young volunteers: Elliot Pickering, Jack Maney and brothers Matthew and Daniel Stout

The volunteers and committee next meet up at the Rose Queen presentation evening, incorporating a children’s disco from 6pm on Friday 11 December in the Bowling Club. Over £1,500 collected at the carnival in June, will be distributed to youth organisations.

The annual general meeting takes place at 7.30pm on Monday 18 January in the Bowling Club.