I WOULD just like to say how very, very much I enjoyed the evening of November 28. It was all very exciting.

Having been in Coleford, staying with friends when the Christmas lights were being put up in October (this too was exciting) arrangements were then made for me to repeat my visit for the turn-on.

I travelled all the way from Southampton by train, a three hour journey, then another three quarters of an hour by car from Gloucester station, but boy was it worth it! By the way, I am a 73 year-old pensioner.

Now don't get me wrong – I'm not daft, but I still get excited.

Though very tired my friend's daughter, Tracy and I went down to the town in the evening. Yes, the travel and wait was well worth it – the children's lovely smiling faces, the excitement, Coleford's friendliness, and then on came the lights. Great!

Here in Southampton, our council decided that we had a German market. We had no festivities, oh yes, I tell a lie, sorry – an ice rink, at £15 an hour. This was not well used.

The councillors of Southampton should come down to Coleford and take a look, put some ideas in their heads, though I know, your decorations were all put up voluntarily.

May I though suggest one thing? Please could you arrange either a farmers' market, or a Victorian themed market? I am sure this would add a bit more atmosphere, and bring the council in some extra revenue.

Very often I come to Coleford, and now my husband of 51 years has retired, he too comes with me, and I am looking forward to showing him your lights.

It is also great to be able to walk around in Coleford, and not be frightened of bumping into a crowd of rude, threatening youngsters. Lovely. Here we seldom go to town now, it's too stressful anyway. I've lived here all my life and now hate it.

Once more congratulations. – Mrs S. A. Davies, Southampton.