Grave issue is not a new one

This is just to point out that Mr. Briggs may have only just 'discovered' them himself but that full compilation and assessment from reliable and original sources concerning these gravestones was in fact produced by myself in 1994 under the title, 'Out of sight and out of mind. The gravestones of All Saints Church Ilkley: Preservation and neglect'

The work related to a map, listings and analysis of 'information' including the compilation and tabulation of raw data in the production of a booklet to form 'the basis of material for the use by local historians, family researchers, archaeologists and the like' The content covers the overall project, geographic location of the gravestones, register of internments, places of origin plus photographs et al.

The state and location of the stones in the cemetery off Leeds Road was brought to the attention of the then vicar in 1994, who acknowledged their presence and state but dismissed the issue.

Perhaps the fact that Mr. Briggs does not appear to have consulted either the Bradford District archaeologist at the Manor House Museum or the Ilkley Library, both of whom have easily accessible copies of this work, would seem to show that his is not such a discovery; perhaps he will 'discover' the rest of the information at some point.

Stephen Hobson

Via e-mail

Planning praise

SIR, - The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Stanley King, addressed the recent Ilkley Parish Council meeting at Ilkley Town Hall.

In his short speech the Lord Mayor made particular mention of the parish council's planning committee and commended its hard work as being thorough and very professional. Later Coun King assured me our work was very well recognised at City Hall.

Thorough and experienced work by parish councillors has resulted in favourable results on many planning issues, for example the Middleton Hospital site, green belt issues, 16 Middleton Avenue, amendments to the Winfield site, to mention just a few.

Our meetings are open to the public where residents' concerns are acted upon. It was also Ilkley Parish Council which initiated the Ilkley Design Statement at a public meeting.

It was therefore unwarranted that a district councillor should criticise the work of the Ilkley Parish Council planning committee in your paper last week. I.e. "The logic of the Ilkley Parish Council is ten years out of date - they need to be abreast of commercial trends and housing needs."

Was this perhaps that Bradford planning agreed with the Ilkley Parish Council decision against his?

Ilkley Parish Council is not behind but rather ten years ahead with planning needs. Always being perceptive, attending both national and regional planning conferences in order to keep ahead with future concerns.

Councillor Audrey Brand

Chairman of Planning,

Ilkley Parish Council.

Comfort in Bible

SIR, In spite of all the wonderful achievements of the last millennium which have provided so many benefits for us, it seems that the proverbial peace, prosperity and plenty eludes the majority of the world's population.

Even when there is comparative prosperity, there is also a lack of real peace of mind, happiness and hope for the future.

My feeling is that the reason for this is that we have lost our way and departed from the help and comfort that the Bible offers.

The Bible promises its readers 'the peace of God, which passeth all understanding' (Philippians 4v7). For several years I have followed the Bible reading tables in the Bible Companion enabling me to read the entire Bible in a year.

As a millennial gesture I will be happy to send a copy of the Bible Companion to any reader who would like one so that they might experience for themselves the joy, happiness and hope the Bible offers.

Richard Benson

40 York Road,

Hitchin,

Herts.

Warning signs

SIR, - Every year at this time, the number of cases of meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia rise dramatically, and sometimes the outcome is devastating.

Recently I have become concerned about the number of cases of meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia reported in newspapers countrywide which have been misdiagnosed either by GPs or hospital casualty doctors, and the outcome has been catastrophic.

Last month alone, we had contact with ten families from different parts of the country here at our fundraising office in Bristol; all of them had lost loved ones who had been misdiagnosed in the preceding six weeks somewhere within the health care delivery system.

My growing impression is that some health professionals are still not distinguishing between the common symptoms of meningitis, and those that may exist with meningococcal septicaemia.

I also believe that the general public are under the misconception that once their children receive the meningitis C vaccine, they are protected against all forms of bacterial meningitis.

Everyone should be aware that there is still no vaccine to protect against the most common form of bacterial meningitis, meningococcal group B.

In my opinion it is of the utmost importance for families and health professionals to always consider meningitis or meningococcal septicaemia if someone becomes ill, especially if the illness has developed rapidly. The earlier the disease is identified and treated could mean the difference between life and death.

STEVE DAYMAN

Operations Officer,

Spencer Dayman Meningitis

Laboratories Fundraising Office,

Fishponds Road,

Bristol.

Go vegetarian

SIR, - With the New Year upon us, many of us will resolve to lead a healthier lifestyle than we did last year. Some of us will give up smoking or alcohol, others will vow to lose weight and take regular exercise.

However, the best way to ensure improved health in 2001 is to go vegetarian.

Hardly a day went by in the past year without BSE and CJD in the headlines. Swine fever, salmonella and e.Coli outbreaks all occupied the news for days on end. Add to this the well-documented link between a meat-based diet and Britain's three killers - heart disease, cancer and stroke - and it's no wonder that 2,000 people go vegetarian in the UK every week.

Thankfully supermarket shelves are now chock full of veggie burgers and sausages, meat-free pies and casseroles, nut roasts and veggie sandwich slices. Giving up meat is probably the easiest New Year's resolution you could make.

For a free veggie starter kit contact PETA, PO Box 3169, London, SW18 4WJ or visit www.petaeurope.org.

TONI VERNELLI

People for the Ethical Treatment

of Animals (PETA)

Paper thanked

SIR, May I through Wharfedale Newspapers thany everyone who has helped with the charity Hang on to a Dream.

In these times of hardship, I am personally indebted to all the businesses who have made their donations and who have helped and assisted with Dream this year.

A number of local organisations have supported us by making donations and to these people again we offer our most sincere thanks. Our main fund raising event, the Otley Vintage Transport Extravaganza, was a major success this year and our thanks go especially to the Wharfedale Farmers Auction Mart for their continued support.

Also, no event would run smoothly but for the backroom boys. To Chevin Landscapes, Peter Gumby, Nigel and Jenny Wilkinson, Malcolm Barry, John Edwards, Andy Turnbull and so on - may I thank you once again for all your help.

Readers will be pleased to know that over £2,300 was raised for Dream. Next year's event will be on Sunday, September 2, when we will look forward to seeing everyone again.

I am sure that I speak on behalf of all the children that we have helped when I say a great big thankyou and wish you all a Happy New Year.

Nigel Francis

Chairman,

Hang on to a Dream.,

6 Pearson's Buildings,

Otley.

Helping donkeys

SIR, - Life has not always been easy for Humphrey, the gentle chocolate brown donkey. Discarded like an old toy when his owner grew tired of him, Humphrey had been left unattended in a field of cows, without shelter or veterinary care.

He was covered in raw fly-infested sores and had hooves that had grown so long they were turning up at the toes.

After careful negotiations with his owner, arrangements were made to bring him to safety. However, before we arrived, his hooves had been roughly chopped, making him lame in all four feet.

We quickly arranged visits from our vet and farrier, and Humphrey was made comfortable in a warm dry stable. Now fully recovered from his ordeal, Humphrey is now a happy member of Willows' donkey herd.

Willows care for many animals that have been maltreated or traumatised. We promise each needy animal a home for life at our tranquil seaside sanctuary.

However, we are desperate for funds this Christmas to help pay our massive food and vet bills, enabling us to help more animals in need, just like Humphrey the little donkey.

If you are able to make a donation this holiday season, please make cheques or postal orders payable to 'Willows Animal Sanctuary' and send to Willows Animal Sanctuary, Findon Farm, Gerdenstown, Banff, Aberdeenshire, AB45 3ET.

For further information please contact me on 01261 851701, or e-mail: (was@cix.co.uk). ON behalf of Humphrey and the other animals in our care, thank you.

Kate Robinson

Willows Animal Sanctuary.