I WOULD like to thank the Bury Times for their support in promoting what turned out to be the local community event of the year!

In drizzling rain and mist an estimated 10,000 people made their way up to Peel Tower to mark the end of the Millennium. It was a night that will be remembered by young and old for many years to come.

Occasions like this don't just happen - they have to be carefully planned and it was a privilege to be part of the organising committee who, on a purely voluntary basis, have been making arrangements for the past five months.

Thanks in particular go to Luise Nandy and John Ireland who masterminded the event. Thanks also to our main sponsors Danisco Paper, Fort James, TNT and Bury Council and last, but not least, the Rev Colin Honour for his Millennium address.

The community spirit and atmosphere was tremendous - from the children who formed part of the "pagan-like" procession and lit the giant bonfire, to the older people (many had turned 80 years) who were determined to make their mark at the end of the 20th century.

The main ingredient for an event of this nature has to be the people and they turned up in their thousands, which was wonderful to see.

JOHN ARNOTT

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