Now that the celebrations welcoming the new millennium are over I would like to take this opportunity to extend well deserved thanks publicity on behalf of Saltash Festival 99/2000.

Saltash welcome 2000 celebrations at Jubilee Green was a fitting finalé to all the other successful events staged by the festival committee throughout the year (other events being the Saltash Festival Regatta, host to the British federation National Water Ski Championships; Showcase '99, a diversity of fine arts exhibitions and the Celtic Cross project to name but a few)

Major Festival events such as ours don't just happen by waving a magic wand. They happen as a result of careful planning by a dedicated group of volunteers. Funding has to be raised so as not to burden too much the Saltash community taxpayers. Our New Year's Eve celebrations started with the lighting of the Brazier Beacon by the Mayor, Councillor Mona Tomaszewska, ably accompanied by Festival pipes and drums. With a magnificent display of fireworks mooted as among the best seen in Cornwall and Devon for many years (all for free).

More than 7,000 attended and many showed their appreciation by putting spare money into the collection buckets (£176 in total). Unlike other towns and cities throughout the country we did not have local authority's to clear up the next day, therefore a small team from our committee volunteered and cleared hundreds of bottles, cans and other debris left by many of the revellers not prepared to take their litter home with them.

However, we are delighted that so many people had a wonderful time and would like to thank everyone who has telephoned and/or written to us conveying thanks and appreciation.

May I personally pay tribute to the committee members and supporters for all their voluntary work and their unstinting dedication to benefit Saltash.

Finally, to our major sponsors, without whom none of our event would be possible. Caradon area Leader 11 (ERDF) Caradon Council, Saltash town council, PROSPER, together with other local private and business sponsors. As it is becoming increasingly difficult to raise money we always appreciate further financial support to maintain our standards. Donations can still be sent to me directly, cheques payable to Saltash Festival. Thank you all once again for helping to make Saltash Welcomes 2000 such a memorable event.

SUE HOOPER, Chairman,

Saltash Festival 99/2000,

1, Down Close, Saltash.