A FEW words from Evesham Market Town Partnership manager Lew Hammond in tribute to those volunteers who work behind the scenes at town events:-

"THE Evesham and Pershore Market Town Partnership and Wychavon District Council would like to thank their joint sponsors and the organisers of the Evesham Riverside Festivals:-

"The Vale of Evesham Commerce and Tourism Association, the River Festival Committee, Evesham Town Council, The Vale of Evesham Civic Society, Simon de Montfort Society and Evesham Historical Society. The Midland Angler and Match Fishing (David Hall Publications), John and Jill Tomsett (Shakespeare Angling (UK) Ltd), The Angling Festival Working Group, the Bengeworth Traders' Association and special thanks to Worcestershire County Council for Supporting the Eastern Festival Arts Programme.

"Also, for their sterling work in Pershore: The Jazz Festival committee, Pershore Tourism Association, Wychavon Festival of Brass committee, Plum Fayre committee, the Chamber of Trade and Pershore Town Council. And not to forget the stalwarts to whom we all owe so much - the members of the Royal Naval Association, The Royal British Legion, the Royal Airforces Association and the Burma Star who proudly remembered their fallen and injured comrades as they celebrated 60 years of peace with us all.

"Now, I don't expect you to go to bed in the evening and wake up in the morning thinking of all these unpaid servants to your town or village that sometimes, under challenging circumstances and for no personal gain, soldier on and produce such brilliant results.

"But do take the opportunity to attend and appreciate the events - they are all free entry so you can't get much better value for money than that! If you would be interested in helping to organise an event or would like to run an event, then I would be delighted to hear from you - it really is a most rewarding exercise - it will keep you young!"

Contact Lew Hammond on 01386 565518 or e-mail lewis.hammond@wychavon.gov.uk.