I HAVE lived in Ruardean Woodside for the past 36 years, since just after my 11th birthday when my mother and father bought the property that I and my family still live in. The house is some 60 yards from the memorial hall.

This house, built by my great uncle in an adjoining field to his father's homestead, was built six years after the hall; so I think that I am safe to assume that I am both from this village and though not prominent or noted in any way; of this village.

I have during my childhood and adult life come to view this place as my home, a place that I could call my own, a place that wherever I was in the country able to think of as safe, friendly and welcoming and despite the recent poor press it has received, it still is.

Throughout these 30 odd years I have at various times contributed towards the village, the hall and associated events that have been held in it in a minor capacity. I have done nothing special or outstanding to warrant recognition nor would I want it if I had. This is true for others in the village, those individuals and, indeed, families that for many years have given time to ensuring that this plain, old, solid building has been able to keep its doors open since it opened in 1922; welcoming people in to carnivals and pig roasts, pantomimes and flower shows, cubs and beavers, belly dancers and bingo lovers; dance clubs and social evenings.

Over the years members of the hall committee have come and gone as is the nature of life; however there are a few, just a few, that have for many years supported the hall, they are as much a part of it as the stone and wood that it is built from. They know who they are and those that live in the village would recognise them as well. I know that if it were suggested to them that a plaque or picture was to be put up in their honour for some have given as many years if not more that the 50 mentioned, they would refuse, and probably be offended at the suggestion.

These are the people that restarted a carnival to raise funds for a failing hall that was imminent of closing, that started social events, made improvements to the hall so that people would once again want to use it as it was supposed to be, encouraged groups to hire the hall on a regular basis and give it another breath of life; these are the same people, some of whom unnoticed, that have improved the hall both inside and out, maintained its structure, kept it clean and warm, polished floors, tided up and put away chairs and tables after those that have used its facilities have long gone home and forgot about it until the next time; the next week.

Throughout this public debate, for want of a better word, they have remained silent. It's their right, they do not have to justify themselves to me or anybody else for that matter.

This paper has printed articles relating to the hall recently, stating that this group are shameful; hypocrites; without honour or respect. I have noted a theme in all but one of the letters sent to the paper, those who have written in either do not live in or indeed near the village or, by their own statement, have not entered the hall in many years and would like to keep their names from fellow readers. This is indeed sad and unfair.

It seems everybody has an opinion and these letters suggest to those that do not know, that the people who live in the village are divided, spilt in their views and enraged.

Dear writers of letters, do not presume nor state publicly, opinion for the whole village, do not speak for me or others. If you are enraged then fair enough, but me, I am happy for the hall committee to ensure that the hall is kept open and a viable community asset. Things change, that is the way of life, colour schemes, facilities and resources are altered. No other group has complained regarding lack of notices or items placed upon walls past or present. How many of the past inhabitants of Ruardean Woodside have given time and effort to this building and to groups that have met within it without recognition?

People have written into the paper about Foresters and non Foresters on the committee, replace the committee with Foresters and get rid of the foreigners. From my house, as close as it is to the hall, I am yet to see a queue forming of Foresters wanting to join the committee. Rather I fear the opposite.

The committee is hard pressed to find new members of any creed. If it were not for this committee or others that have proceeded it, there would be no hall to use.

People do like to quote and define Foresters, dear writers of letters take note of your own council. You can keep pushing for so long and so hard until those who are Foresters and on the committee will have had enough.

An old record in the national archive states that inhabitants of the Forest of Dean are stubborn and keep to their ways. It's still true now; the more you push these proud, selfless individuals the farther from your goal you will find yourself.

To the hall committee; a big thank-you from me for all your hard work and dedication to date, in keeping the hall open for all to use as and when they see fit.

Andy Arkell, Ruardean Woodside.