AS a former member of Okehampton District Round Table it has been my privilege this year to be their president.
One of my more pleasant duties has been to assist them with the Father Christmas float. For those who we are unable to visit (and for which I must apologise), we bring Father Christmas around on a brightly illuminated float to meet the children and give them sweets, and to collect for local children's charities.
Over the years I know this has enabled Round Table to make a significant contribution to many individuals and local organisations and I would like to thank, most sincerely, all those who have once again most generously contributed.
But there is so much more to the Christmas float than this. Father Christmas and all the helpers are, I know, deeply touched by the welcome that we receive from adults and children alike. There are moments when the children are, perhaps, riding on the sleigh, having their photographs taken with Santa, or telling him of their hopes for Christmas Day when the whole thing becomes simply magical for all concerned.
One younger tabler who had just joined us expressed his amazement that people could be so nice. This is perhaps the very essence of what Round Table is all about. Giving of our time to the community of which we are so much a part and deriving tremendous satisfaction and enjoyment from it.
Our deep and heartfelt thanks to you all.
Richard Leonard
President