WHAT a very sad state of affairs when the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary requires £1,000 to cover Hatherleigh Carnival; especially so when the sight of a policeman in any shape or form is something of a rarity.
Feelings are running high and not without reason. Hatherleigh Carnival has always been one of the very best; are we to believe that it is becoming an endangered event because of the cost of policing?
Let us be quite clear about this; the purpose of Hatherleigh Carnival, apart from the continuance of a tradition and providing enjoyment for many, is to collect funds for deserving charities, not the police.
So, herewith a few suggestions that Hatherleigh Carnival Committee might care to put forward. Simply tell the police ?Thanks very much but we can manage without you?; or, point out to them (politely) that as everyone else in the carnival is giving their services on an entirely voluntary basis, perhaps the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary could be persuaded to do the same; or, if all else fails and they insist on being present, give ?em each a collecting box to help cover their cost.
It?s worth a try, isn?t it?
Richard G Williamson
Cranmere
Castle Road
Okehampton