I READ, with interest, your article on those people still awaiting refunds from the purchase of tickets for the 'First Aid' concerts (Okehampton Times, March 23).
May I draw to your attention the fact that other organisations that were asked to help with this event have also incurred expenses that they are unlikely to recover.
I recently attended the AGM of Okehampton St John Ambulance were it was reported that they had been asked to provide First Aid cover for the concert.
Because of the estimated number of people expected to attend they had to ask other divisions for help, these divisions now have to be recompensed for the other duties that they turned down to assist with the concert. This money will of course have to come from Okehampton St John. Money which, of course, could be spent on renewing equipment etc.
This setback, I am sure, will not deter the volunteers of Okehampton St John from continuing to provide cover for the many events they attend, but it does affect morale.
It may well be that at the last minute the other divisions involved may not insist on payment, but of course this can not be guaranteed, and, of course, may cause problems should help be requested at some time in the future for other events.
R J Letchford
9 Bright View
Okehampton