MAY I say thank you, this time to the Okehampton Carnival Committee for their efforts to keep the spirit of the carnival alive and kicking.

It must indeed be a disheartening task for them as this year proved, at least South Zeal (thank goodness) and the young farmers etc supported them, along with the cavalcade of carnival queens from surrounding areas without whom the procession would have been non-existent.

However, I thought the excellent floats from the town?s major employers, ie Somerfield, Waitrose, Kerrys, Heinz, Peninsula Milk and even the local mattress factory, were indeed very conspicuous ? by their absence, alas.

Apathy once again prevails at a source from whence support should be forthcoming.

Dare I ask them, to remove the proverbial digit and give us a good show next year? Who knows? It could be a blue moon.

William F G Norris

Great Links Tor

Okehampton

CONGRATULATIONS to Okehampton Carnival Committee, a splendid day, even the weather was kind.

I particularly enjoyed the gentleman asking us to support British farmers and British fisherman to the strains of Elgar (very patriotic) from the warmth of his Japanese four by four.

It appears it?s not just the young farmers with a sense of humour.

Martin GrantON Monday November 11 the National Pensioners? Convention is holding a national rally in London to press the government for an immediate increase in the state pension to at least £100 for a single person, the restoration of the link with earnings and an end to means testing.

It is timed at noon so as not to clash with any Remembrance Day services and will be held at Central Hall, Westminster, and then at the Department for Work and Pensions. Devon and Cornwall Pensioners? Convention and Devon Pensioners? Action Forum will be taking part.

There will be a central pick-up point and a coach will leave the park and ride at Sowton, between the Granada Service and Middlemoor, Exeter at 6.15 am. The return will leave London at about 4pm.

Exeter would seem to be the central point and parking is free all day. The maximum cost will be £15 and 20 persons have said they will support the rally With more support the cost could come down to as little as £10.

This is a chance to show all politicians the strength of the pensioner. Both Remembrance Day and the 60-year anniversary of Alamein are appropriate times to show whether we are just content to sit and grumble or whether we do something.

Write to me now and say you want to be included in a huge show of strength.

A G Venison

Chairman

Devon and Cornwall Pensioners? Convention

6 St Mary?s Close

Axminster

Devon EX13 5BW

Eight Barton Road

Okehampton