Maureen Cole, chairman of Kingsteignton Swimming Pool & Recreational Association, writes:

I would like to wish everyone 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 £1,000+ – these funds will help to keep the swimming pool afloat in the coming season providing we can raise the funds to replace slabs around the pool and drainage.

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 three days because of the snow and icy roads and pavements: safety is paramount.

The committee would also like to thank Graham Heart of County Garage; John Cude for the towing vehicles; 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 for sweets for the children. A big thank you is also given to the following collectors: Les and Jackie Flower, Pauline Verney, Liz Rollason, Val and Clive Goodyear, Betty Studdy, Helen Millward, Pam Terrill, Mo Heart, Sandy Brooks, Tessa Brown, Jenny Reed, Sue Cousins, Judith Page and myself.

Our appreciation must also go to KingsCare hub for allowing us to have Father Christmas in his grotto. In addition we would like to thank Jill Morris, Lesley Bickham, Pauline Verney and myself for making the grotto.

We would like to thank all who voted for the pool in the NatWest Community Project 2010. we had most votes so we got £3,000.

Readers should also be aware that the annual meeting committee will be held at 7.30pm on Tuesday, February 9, in the Mary Hall Suite of the community hall in Rydon Road Kingsteignton. All are very welcome to attend.

Anyone who would like to join the committee or assist in fundraising in any way, should contact me on 01626211000 or email me at [email protected]">[email protected] THIS AND OTHER LETTERS IN OUR ONLINE EDITION