Our festival WILL take place again next year

May 8 2009 Paisley Daily Express

NEXT year’s Johnstone Festival will go ahead, despite fears the 2009 event could be the last.

As reported in the Paisley Daily Express, there were concerns future fetes were in jeopardy because key members of the dedicated organising committee were hard-pressed to tackle all the work and attend meetings while keeping up with equally demanding commitments to other organisations and their own families.

However, Chris Gilmour, who has just taken over the role of chairperson following the shock resignation on health grounds of previous incumbent, former Renfrewshire councillor John Kenny, has vowed to remain in office to ensure the 2010 event goes ahead.

His commitment comes even though he’s also chairman of Johnstone Community Council and faces a long car journey every working day to get to Prestwick Airport, where he’s employed.

And he’s determined to do his bit to ensure future Johnstone festivals continue to take off and provide free fun for people of all ages in the town.

“The festival is far too important for Johnstone and its people to lose after all the hard work which has gone into making it such a success over the last six years,” said Mr Gilmour.

“My predecessor, John Kenny, put in a lot of hard work to make it such an enjoyable occasion. I intend to make sure his dedicated efforts will continue to benefit the town and its people.

“It’s a great occasion for everyone and we don’t want to lose it.”

Mr Gilmour confirmed that, following this year’s festival on Saturday, May 30, a meeting will take place to plan ahead for next year.

A campaign will also be launched to recruit new members to the committee to help distribute the workload, which is shared at present by just a few dedicated volunteers, including Mr Gilmour; organising committee secretary Iain McMillan, who is Labour group leader on Renfrewshire Council; treasurer Peter Cameron, who is chairman of Johnstone History Society; and committee member Janette Lynch, who is secretary of Johnstone History Society.

This year’s festival takes place in the Thomas Shanks Public Park, Quarrelton Road, on Saturday, May 30.

Watch the Express for further details and photographs of all the fun, which will include fairground rides, music, games, stalls, bands, fast food and lots more.