Not only do they help to provide an important service but help to keep costs down.

While I was a retained fireman I had the feeling I was being economically exploited.

I was in the retained fire service and the Fire Brigade Union was against the retained service, who after a while created their own union.

Now in more enlightened times, it would appear both services see the specials and retained as a cheap substitute service.

K Mutimer, Church Close, Wilby

Help was real pick-me-up

I would like to say a very big thank you to three kind teenagers who helped pick me up and took me to the bus, after I tripped and fell on a rough path at Diss Park on Friday, June 27.

Marjorie Cotton, Botesdale

Carnival gratitude

On behalf of the Bethany Sheppard Appeal, I would like to thank the following people concerned with Diss Carnival.

The town clerk, her staff and assistants for their patience and kindness, the parking marshals at the football club for their understanding and helpfulness, the kind man – regretfully unknown – for his help in unloading the cars and assisting with the canopy and the Black Belt Academy for their vital help with putting up the said canopy. They should shortly be getting back the four borrowed tent pegs.

Due to all their input the appeal raised £341.

Thanks also to the members of the public who patronised our tombola and especially those who left us donations.

Miki Lillie, Burston Road, Diss

Diss and District Mencap thank the generous members of the public who supported their tombola at Diss Carnival

A total of £430 was raised, which will go towards leisure activities for local children and adults with learning disabilities.

Thanks also to all who donated prizes and helped on the day.

Mrs G Hancock, Diss Mencap, Mount Pleasant, Diss

An enjoyable day

I went to the Diss Carnival with my son and his family. We all had a lovely time with plenty to see and do.

The only fault to find was that there were not enough stalls selling food and drink. Otherwise it was a very enjoyable day. The weather did help a lot.

Edna Rook, Westhall, Stradbroke

Thank you

I would like to say a big thanks to those who sponsored my Race for Life in aid of Cancer Research.

I would also like to say I think that the use of the infant school as a polling station for the recent district council election during term-time is totally unacceptable.

It shows a complete lack of consideration, not only for education but families as well.

I will certainly not support or vote there again, during term-time.

Elizabeth Mooney, Pearce Road, Diss

Support was great honour

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the residents of Diss for the excellent support that they gave me at the polls at the June 27 South Norfolk District Council by-election.

I consider it a great honour and a privilege to have been elected.