2015 has been my last year organising the Christmas light display for Okehampton on behalf of the Chamber of Trade and I would like to express my appreciation for all the help I have been given by so many people over the years. 

 A great gang of volunteers regularly give up their Sunday mornings twice a year, whatever the weather, to put up the decorations and trees, and take them down again. These include not only business people but also many townsfolk, friends and family.

 I would like to thank all those businesses who so generously send funds;  all who give prizes for the draw or buy draw tickets, or simply pass in a donation.  We have also had the support of the town and hamlets councils, and wonderful contributions from so many of the town’s clubs and associations. 

Thank you too for all the compliments and kind comments – it is good to hear that people enjoy the decorations so much.

 Importantly, I must say how totally unprepared and surprised I was at the presentation made to me by the members of the Chamber of Trade.  I was knocked completely sideways with the generosity and good wishes of the members – I really never expected anything like that. A simple ‘thank you’ seems totally inadequate, but I do appreciate it hugely. 

 

I suppose what I am really saying is that this is, and always has been, a proper community effort for Okehampton, and without everyone’s help and backing my job would have been impossible.   My sincere and heartfelt thanks go to you all  — each and every one.

 Don Rooke

Okehampton Chamber of Trade