I SEE in the Times (letters, April 11) that the fallout from the virtual collapse of the 'First Aid' organisation continues to expand ever outwards and snare more and more people and local groups.
Is it any surprise that after so many 'it's on — it's off — it's moved — it's off again — it's on again' statements, the good people of Okehampton and district have had enough. I have heard several comments to the effect 'That's the last time I buy a ticket for anything like this in Okehampton' and understandably so.
And there is the crux of the problem, when well meaning people set out to do good for the community, but then don't listen to any of the advice given by people who were asked by 'First Aid' to help out, and asked because they have the experience of running these sorts of events. It is also no surprise that so many people willing to join 'First Aid' to help out promptly left out of sheer exasperation when all their advice was ignored.
What started as an honest attempt to inject some life back into the area at the height of the foot and mouth crisis has not only failed to achieve anything remotely positive but has actually had a negative net result.
Local people are off side as far as any local event goes and anyone from further afield who followed developments must think our town is a laughing stock.
So I make a heart-felt request to everyone who reads this letter and wishes to see our community moving forward.
There are lots of fantastic events, musical and otherwise, lined up for 2002, not least the return of the Okehampton Arts and Music Festival held so successfully in 2000 before their thunder was stolen from them in 2001.
Please tell everyone you hear being negative about these events that none of them have anything at all to do with 'First Aid'.
They are all events that will happen when they are advertised to happen, organised by people who know how to do it properly, and on a scale that is appropriate for the town and its people.
Dave Goodwin
Hillfield
South Zeal