OVER the last three or four years Sticklepath Fireshow has received national coverage in newspapers and magazines which have rated it one of the top 15 bonfire night events in Britain. No mean feat for the community of Okehampton and district.

As you might guess, to achieve this there is a lot of work that goes on throughout the year to make it all happen on the night.

We are fortunate that there is a pool of wonderful volunteers who turn up and support us with the workshops and build in the weeks before the show to help create the splendid set, puppets and costumes. There are also the marshals on the night to ensure we keep our excellent safety record.

However, you can never have too many volunteers and we welcome anyone no matter what their skills are, as training is provided.

The main area we need help with is on the committee. The members we have are dedicated and resourceful but most work full-time. We are in desperate need of some extra help or all that has been built up over the last 28 years is under threat of ending.

Many people are scared or put off by the word committee, please don't be. You can speak to someone on the committee before the AGM for more information about what is involved in being a member. Or come along to the AGM on Monday April 16 at 7.30pm in Sticklepath Village Hall and speak to us there.

There will be a vote on changing the constitution to the Charity Commission's recommended format in order to complete our registration. However, if we don't get more members then it is highly likely that Fireshow will not happen this year. If you value the Fireshow then you need to come forward now to ensure it continues into it's fourth decade and is there for the local children to enjoy.

Membership of the Fireshow Committee and opportunities to volunteer are open to all residents of the wider Okehampton and District area and indeed to those from beyond.

For more information you can either ring 01837 840334 or 01837 840136 or go onto the website at http://www.sticklepathfireshow.org.uk">www.sticklepathfireshow.org.uk

Janice Goodwin

South Zeal