Letters to the Editor

performing arts festival

SIR, - I am pleased to announce that the syllabus for the Wharfedale Festival of Performing Arts 2005 (May 14-21) is out and available from the Tourist Information Centre, Grove Music and Wharfe Valley Music.

Alternatively, they are available from the Festival Secretary at the address below, or by 'phone on (01943 872067), or from the festival website at www.wharfedalefestival.co.uk. Entries should be received by the secretary by February 22. Late entries will incur penalty charges.

We offer a wide range of classes in all areas of speech and drama, poetry writing, and instrumental, vocal and choral classes. Radio Leeds is once again offering to post the winning adult poem overall on the station website.

Also on offer, a wide range of classes in Asian performing arts. In a bid to attract choral entries, two new classes have been introduced. One is specifically for all those Rutter-mad singers who think all their birthdays and Christmases have come at once when their MD's present them with hymns and anthems by wonderful John Rutter.

The other, designed for the older choirs who used to flock to the Wharfedale but now never come near us (what did we do wrong?) and entitled TOFFS' Choral, Songs for Enjoyment, (non-competitive), and aimed at the over-55s. Come on, choirs! Bring back your particular magic to Ilkley and let us thrill to your music! We've missed you.

Also worth a particular mention is the organ section, ranging from Junior age-group to Advanced class and encompassing the 'Reluctant Organist'. You have wonderful talent to display and an audience thirsting to hear it. Take pity on us and send in your entry!

Handbell Orchestras are also catered for, and we have regular supporters, but we would really like more. You make such a wonderful sound. Come and share it with us!

Finally, schools, we need your orchestras, brass and concert bands, steel and samba bands. Evenings devoted to your fantastic style of music! If unsure, pick up the phone and talk to me! I know you're out there! We want you with us.

Mrs E M Sharp

Festival Secretary.

For animals

SIR, - As a new year begins, the world is united in its shock and sadness at the terrible human tragedy following the Asian tsunami disaster.

In the face of such overwhelming human adversity, it is all too easy to forget the animal victims of the crisis; be they valued family companion animals, farm and working animals that communities often depend on for their livelihood, or local wildlife.

The World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) is co-ordinating animal welfare organisations around the world in an international relief effort to help the animal victims of this disaster.

The tsunami crisis has left many dogs, cats, and farm animals diseased and without food and water. Working with our member societies on the ground, WSPA has already sent initial aid to provide food and veterinary supplies for starving and sick animals in the region. The first of our trained disaster relief experts has been despatched to Sri Lanka, whilst our experienced veterinarians are poised to travel to other affected areas. WSPA is particular concerned that an onslaught of disease may follow the initial crisis.

We are therefore carefully monitoring the need for animal vaccination programmes, in liaison with the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), including actions to help deal with disease outbreaks should they arise.

In the countries badly hit by this disaster, livestock and working animals can be vital to the lives of rural communities. Supplies of vital veterinary medicines, food and water, can make the difference between life and death for animals in the aftermath of the disaster. WSPA's relief team will be paying particular attention to providing this support.

Helping animals has a real impact on the long-term process of people rebuilding their shattered lives, particularly in farming communities. I would like to invite readers to visit our website (www.wspa-international.org) where the latest information and opportunities to help our urgent relief work can be found.

Major General PETER DAVIES

Director General,

WSPA,

14th Floor,

89 Albert Embankment,

London SE1 7TP.

MP backed

SIR, - My sister-in-law Joan, a sensible woman living in the countryside, has been urging me for some time to vote Labour at the next General Election - despite being a life-long Conservative herself.

She is that impressed with our compassionate and conscientious MP, Ann Cryer, in view of her work for good race relations - despite the hostile opposition that this has often provoked.

Another 'tribute' to Mrs Cryer comes from the BNP through their decision to stand against her at the General Election.

They must be thinking: "Here is a politician actually improving race relations - we must do what we can to wreck her work by stirring up trouble in her constituency"

Until this week, when the BNP's decision was announced, I was a floating voter. But I shall now vote Labour - to keep one of Britain's best MPs in, and a boil on the bottom of the Body Politic out.

The election starts here, and I urge all moderate people (however they have voted in the past) to come out and support a voice of compassion and moderation). Come on, Ann - give 'em some pasty!

As that great conservative philosopher Edmund Burke put it: "The only thing necessary of evil to triumph is for good men and women! to do nothing."

NAME AND ADDRESS SUPPLIED

Ilkley.

Trip offer

SIR, - Experience the wonders of the Orient while undertaking the challenge of a lifetime! Mencap, the UK's leading charity for children and adults with a learning disability, is offering you a chance to pedal off those surplus Christmas pounds while raising money on a ten-day 395km bike ride through China between May 28-June 6, 2005.

Experience this magnificent country first-hand as you cycle from the Great Wall to Tiananmen Square. The scenery is breathtaking, as the mighty wall climbs and descends in a stunning mountain landscape.

Visit the tombs of the Ming Emperors, the beautiful Shidu Gorge and the colourful and bustling capital, Beijing.

To take part in the challenge you need to raise £2,500 sponsorship. Mencap will give you lots of useful tips on how to raise your target, which will help Mencap continue its vital work. To request an application pack, please call 0845 9777 779 or email events@mencap.org.uk. You can find our more by visiting www.mencap.org.uk/china.

MARY NIGHTINGALE (ITV News)

Mencap,

123, Golden Lane,

London, EC1Y 0RT.

Year recalled

SIR, - We were most interested to read in the Across the Years column (75 Years Ago) in a December issue of the Gazette reporting details of winners of tennis events at Ben Rhydding Sports Club.

My mother, Peggy Robinson, was the winner of the ladies' singles title that year. I thought you might be interested to know that she still resides in Ilkley and at the age of 92 is still hale and hearty - and an avid reader of your paper.

Mrs HILARY M DOVE

27 Croft Park,

Menston.

Cut it out!

SIR, - A recent correspondent questioned when the council would take notice of the extensive negative correspondence published in the Gazette in respect of the traffic lights at Victoria Avenue.

I have a solution. It involves some employees of the council using hydraulic cutters to remove the traffic lights permanently, thus appeasing the majority and allowing democracy to take its true course.

WINSTON SKINNER

28B Wilmot Road,

Ilkley.