FOUR local organisations were the principal beneficiaries of the 23rd Dartmoor Folk Festival which was hailed a great success financially by its chairman Jason Rice at the recent annual meeting.
South Zeal Recreation Ground, the Okehampton branch of St John Ambulance, the Okehampton detachment of the Devon Army Cadet Force and South Zeal Carnival all got a share of the profits for charitable causes which amounted to over £400.
Speaking at the meeting, Mr Rice said: 'It's all thanks to the backbone of support we get each year from people such as the Dartmoor Pixie Band who play at support dances across the county to raise funds towards expenses.'
A quiz night, Devonshire entertainment evening, film show and car treasure hunt all helped to raise funds for the festival last year.
'The festival weekend ran smoothly thanks to the help of Okehampton Army Cadet Force and our band of volunteer helpers,' said the
chairman.
'Concerts were full and dances well attended. The weather was not kind to us on the Sunday but we hope for an improvement this year.'
Mr Rice said comments received from people who attended were very favourable and he paid special thanks to the residents of South Zeal who were always 'so understanding.'
The election of officers followed confirmation that the Dartmoor Folk Festival Association would organise the 24th annual event on August 10,11 and 12, 2001.
Elections were: life president, Joyce Cann; vice-president, Mark Bazeley; chairman, Jason Rice; vice-chairman, Cyril May; secretary, Jane White; assistant secretaries, Sarah and Shirley Bazeley; treasurer, Philip Holmes; assistant treasurer, Judy Sanders; press officer, Alan Quick; campsite warden, Lesley Wormold; artistic directors, Mark and Sarah Bazeley; craft organiser, William Timon; site foreman, Martin White; festival archivists, Bob and Jacqueline Patten; Victory Hall representatives, John Berry and Clifford White; grant officer, Alan Quick; display team, Peter Wormold.
Details of the 2001 festival from Jane White on 01837 840162.