AN APPEAL is made made for volunteers to help Gunnislake Festival continue to be a success.

The event is growing year by year in terms of attractions and variety of events, due to sheer hard work by a small team.

But at the annual meeting recently there was a call for more support from villagers and village groups.

Those who attended were saddened to learn of the death of Brian Spencer, a former stalwart of the association who had undertaken the role of secretary in its early years.?Tributes were paid to him by committee chair Gill Pengelly and vice-chair Dorothy Kirk.

Gill, praised for her unstinting efforts, was unanimously re-elected to the chair with Dorothy as her deputy.

Steve Sheasby has retained the role of treasurer and Lynne Southcott offered to carry on as secretary.

Mandy Rolfe, whose efforts in putting on the popular history exhibition each year were much appreciated, remains on the committee as do Tom and Penny O'Neill.

Les Rendell continues his role as press secretary.

A vote of thanks was proposed to non-committee members Deborah Frize, who has successfully revamped the festival website: http://www.gunnislakefestival.co.uk">www.gunnislakefestival.co.uk and to Sue Crocker who helped raise funds in selling 'raffle squares' with Penny.

The innovation of a church concert, organised by Dorothy Kirk, featuring the Callington Singers and the first showing in the village of the nostalgic film, 'The Last Train to Callington', together with village guided walks, an art exhibition and the now popular quiz, had all helped to add variety over the four days of the festival with music, dancing and other attractions on the Saturday and in the four village pubs on most nights, giving vibrancy and entertainment for all.

At the annual meeting, small donations were approved to Gunnislake Amateur Dramatic Society, whose presentation at the festival received much acclaim, to the Gateway (the village newsletter) and to the Christmas Lights Fund.

The 2013 festival is planned for July 31 to August 3 but its success will depend on additional support being forthcoming.

Those who are willing to help can contact secretary Lynne on 01822 832534 or email [email protected]">[email protected]