FALMOUTH Marine Band and Friends, who organised last Saturday's revival of Falmouth Carnival, would like to pay tribute to all those who entered, helped with its organisation and running, or turned up to watch and part with a little money for charity (which included £1.88 in 22 small coins, a pre-decimal halfpenny, three US cents, 50 Australian cents, 20 Cypriot whatnots, one defunct German pfennig, a button, and, for the first time ever, a plectrum). The charity collection also raised £800 sterling for local good causes.

The Marine Band may have been at the front of the procession, but it was those who followed that made it into the true community success that it turned out to be. Because participants simply turned up on the day, we had no idea at all how successful or otherwise the event might be. But even our wildest dreams were exceeded when we arrived at Quarry Hill car park to be greeted by a spectacularly animated and colourful sight of about 200 people ready to do their bit for the town. In short, the response from the people of Falmouth was nothing short of brilliant. Apart from the splendid participants, the Marine Band would also like to thank the police, special constables and traffic warden for keeping the way clear, the Lions Club of Falmouth and Penryn for marshalling and collection duties, Carrick council for use of the car park, Mark at the Watersports Centre for end-of-carnival facilities, Steve Skinner for essential band supplies, and Tesco and the Rev Barrington Bennetts of the Seven Stars for soft drinks for younger participants.

Together, let's make it even bigger and better next year.

Mike Knutton, treasurer, Falmouth Marine Band