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Last weekend saw the re-opening of the Moor with a full day of entertainment on Saturday and the opening ceremony on Sunday.

Saturday's events took place under sunny skies and, from the opening dances by Ros Keltek to Ramshaka's closing set, there was never less than a hundred or so onlookers and, at times, quite a few more.

During the morning, there was more good music from Luke'n'Andy and a solo jOhNcOcKs but the main entertainment was literary with Les Merton telling some of his dialect tales and Graham with stories for the younger ear. Poetry was provided by our unofficial laureate, Peter Redgrove and Phil Bowen, amongst others. Later there were competitions such as the Tallest Tale and a Town Crier event but the main focus onstage was the music.

For JohNcOcKs's gig he was joined by local legends Matt Exelby (gtr), Stan Guffog (bass) and Pip Harbon (drums). They included plenty of material from JC's latest CD, "Up The Creek" which is available with stuff by other local artists from Roses Records in the High Street.

Suki and Josie provided a melodic contrast during the changeover and then Ramshaka took the stage with their feel-good reggae which had much of the crowd up and dancing. The band have been around for a while but they just seem to get better and they also provided an excellent sound system for the day.

A questionnaire about what people wanted for the Moor had plenty of ticks against "more music" and the crowd answered the final query, "Would you like us to do it again?" with a resounding affirmative.

On Sunday, despite threatening skies, the Old Glory Creole Jazz Band provided some rousing music before marching through the town to Customs House Quay. Stithians Silver Band then provided an overture to the opening ceremony with the Lord Lieutenant, Lady Mary Holborow, the Mayor, and other dignitaries. The band played on afterwards in the library foyer since the rain had descended.

Throughout, members of the Town Centre Forum and Falmouth Writers' Forum provided support and, on Saturday,over twenty community organisations provided stalls. Funding came from the Town Council, the Community Fund, and South West Water. Westfield Transport provided the stage and the W.I. helped with tables and chairs. Carrick's Events and Promotions Officer, Sian Robbins, was very much involved with the planning and delivery.

TiGeR 01.10.01