RESIDENTS in Marchwood are banding together in the hope of resurrecting a much-loved village institution.

The successful fete and carnival was staged throughout the 90s but eventually folded due to a lack of willing organisers.

Fond memories and a desire to unite the local community has led a group of villagers to appeal for new blood to help them bring it back to life.

Parish councillor Ron Vango-Fisher is leading the campaign to hold a fete in summer 2006, which would be the first for seven years.

"I've heard from a lot of people who recall it with great affection," he said. "Some of them went to it when they were younger and they have now got children themselves and would like to take them to one."

Cllr Vango-Fisher believes holding a fete would bring together the entire community which is expanding at a rapid rate.

"We are a little spread out because we have Admiralty Quay outside the village envelope and two large new housing developments where people will be moving in soon.

"We already have quite a few craft fairs, a very successful church fete and various organisations but they are aimed at certain people.

"This would be one day in the year where the whole village come together, including the new people."

The fete and carnival folded when the people in charge could not find anyone to take over the reins.

Plans to stage another carnival have been put on hold until organisers can gauge how popular the fete proves to be if it goes ahead.

Potential volunteers brimming with ideas are assured that getting involved will not tie them down to a long-standing commitment and the workload will be shared out evenly.

Anyone who wants to get involved is invited to attend the first action group meeting which is at Marchwood Village Hall on Thursday, February 17, at 7.30pm. For more information, phone Cllr Vango-Fisher on 023 8066 7095.