EDWIN COLE, of Kingsteignton, writes:

Now that Christmas is over I would like to wish every one a happy and prosperous new year.

I would like to thank all who supported Santa when he came around our new town (ex-village). We raised the grand sum of £1,149, funds which will help to keep the swimming pool afloat in the coming season providing we can raise the funds to install a new boiler.

The swimming pool committee would like to thank the generous townspeople who gave to the collection. It is hoped that the young and not so young of the residents who were lucky enough to see Santa on his Christmas float enjoyed the visit.

We were disappointed that we were unable to get out on the last two days because of the icy roads and pavements but safety is paramount.

The committee would also like to thank Graham Heart, of County Garage, John Cude and Mike Glanfield for the towing vehicles,

It also wants to thank Bill and Joyce Morcombe for counting and banking money, also Bill Verney for playing the most important part of all.

Thank you to Andrew and Lesley Bickham and Homemaker for sweets for the children. A big thank you is also given to the following collectors: Les and Jackie Flower, Pauline Verney, Liz Rollason, Clive Goodyear, Betty Studdy, Helen Millward, Pam Terrill, Mo Heart, Sandy Brooks, Tessa Brown, Paul and Sandra Green and Maureen Cole. Our appreciation must also go to Jo Woods, manageress, and staff of Homemaker for allowing us to collect in store while our Father Christmas was in his grotto. To date this has raised £323.86p with more to still come in. In addition to our other collectors we were assisted in this task by Jill Bone, Jill Morris and Phil Evans.

Readers should also be aware that the annual general meeting of the swimming pool committee will be held at 7.30pm on Tuesday, February 9, in the Mary Hall Suite of the Community Hall in Rydon Road, Kingsteigton. all are welcome to attend.

Anyone who would like to join the committee or assist in fundraising in any way should contact Maureen Cole on 01626 211000.MORE LETTERS IN OUR ONLINE EDITION