Volunteers needed

Like your reader, B Stevens, ShifnaI, too regret that Shifnal was not able to stage its traditional firework display this year. As the headteacher at St Andrew's, I have enjoyed many years of great displays.

However, the reason for the absence of the event this year was not financial.

The event did not take place at St Andrew's for two reasons. Firstly, the area designated for the bonfire is now being used by Kaleidoscope which provides wrap-around-care for the local community and, secondly, fire regulations have become more stringent.

It was not held at Idsall because the previous committee could not find sufficient new members with the time and experience to meet the increasing demands and regulations to hold a firework display.

Like many events in Shifnal the organisation of the firework display depends entirely on volunteers working tirelessly for the local community.

Schools rely heavily on PTAs to provide those links with the local community and I would like to take this opportunity of thanking all volunteers, and particularly the PTA members of all three schools, for their commitment and support they have given to the many events they organise each year.

Maybe local Shifnal people would like to take up the challenge of organising the event next year? They could choose a charity of their choice to raise funds for - and add them to the thousands raised each year by the town's schools.

Adrian Marsh, Headteacher, St Andrew's CE Primary School, Shifnal