MAY I use your letters page to offer a hearfelt thank you to all those involved in the recent Samaritans recruitment campaign.

The response was quite astonishing and we now have approximately 50 new volunteers in the process of training. Two years ago during our Jubilee Year, the Sun Street branch was saddened to have to close its doors to visitors on three mornings each week for the first time in 25 years because of dwindling volunteer numbers. We can now look forward to a phased re-opening of the door to callers and to be able to increase the vital reaching-out and fundraising activities that ensure that we are there for those who might have nowhere else to turn in a moment of despair. When the news so often highlights tragedy, failure and alarm it is gratifying to know so many in the community are willing to give valuable time to help those in need of the most simple commodity - a listening ear. Thanks again and a warm welcome to our new recruits.

Chris,

Deputy Director,

Samaritans,

Lancaster.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.