| Your Letters |
Survey was misleading
Sir, — I should like to thank David Potter, whose letter was published in last week’s edition, for highlighting the errors in the Go HoT survey. Unlike him, we were interviewed for the survey, not realising that the results were to be published — and misreported.
It is quite likely that 63 per cent of the interviewees stated that trade was slightly down on last year — in the circumstances not a bad situation. However, to state, as the article in the previous edition did, that trade was down by 63 per cent is clearly factually incorrect and would lead to the closure of every shop in Henley.
I was also disappointed to see that toys (as well as antiques) were identified as being worst hit. As we are the only shop in Henley selling toys exclusively, I can say that the statement is untrue — and that our business thrives, as we have such a loyal clientele and seem to have products which they enjoy buying.
In order to anticipate events in 2009 and the possible negative headlines thereof, we welcome the improvement to Bell Street and its pavements, which are projected for early in the year. Although there will be temporary disruption, the end result, if it looks anything like Duke Street as it is now, will give us all a real boost. — Yours faithfully,
Diana Carlton, Bagatelle Toys, 63 Bell Street.
Magnificent musicians
Sir, — Yet again Ruth Hubbard and her team put on a fantastic evening in support of Woodcote Pre-school.
Local trio Ian Cruickshank’s Gypsy Jazz opened prior to a so-called “post ploughmans”. I think not, more like a gourmet wedding buffet.
Show stars Mito Loeffler and Fleco Lafertin are true Alsace gypsy musicians in the Django Reinhardt style.Like many of us maybe, they arrived minus a few essentials having flown for the first time.
The situation was rescued by Ruth and a really magnificent concert followed. Ticket sales forced a second show at Goring Heath. Keep your eyes open for posters in the future. Tickets sell fast — very fast — and it’s not surprising. — Yours faithfully,
Bruce King, Fir Tree Avenue, Wallingford
Proud of our soldier boy
Sir, — I had the great pleasure of seeing my grandson, Private Lee Hayes marching with the old soldiers in the Remembrance Day parade on Sunday.
My grandson has completed one tour of Iraq and two tours of Afghanistan and my wife and I are very proud of our young man, and thank God he completed his tours of duty and came home safely. — Yours faithfully,
Mick Yeo, Vicarage Road, Henley
How to fund college move
Sir, — A few weeks ago we read in the Standard about the proposal by Henley College to relocate to Highlands Farm, thus freeing valuable space closer to town for housing.
Two weeks ago we read that Gillotts School urgently needs to be re-built, also providing land for housing in the process. Would it not be possible for Henley College to relocate on to that position of Gillotts’ “spare land” (presumably already council-owned), thus freeing the capital from the sale of its present premises to provide some funding for the rebuilding of both establishments?
The present sporting facilities could be shared with Henley Leisure Centre already on site and a complete package could be secured in one place. — Yours faithfully,
M.E. Grant, Nicholas Road, Henley
Car wash is no hazard
Sir, — On Tuesday, October 21 my husband and I went to Wyevale Garden Centre in Shiplake Road and noticed, to out delight, a car wash.
Then we read in the Standard that Wargrave council feels the car wash operating at the Wyevale Garden Centre in Bath Road, Hare Hatch, is a traffic hazard.
Becaue we live in Twyford we often go to Sainsbury’s in Winnersh and have our car washed by attendants while we shop, which is very convenient. It is on a very busy corner but has not become a hazard. To imagine the people of Wargrave are suddenly all going to rush to have their cars washed is ridiculous.
I would have thought that in these times of financial downturn and job losses, the council would have encouraged enterprise and employment. I do hope they come to their senses and allow this very useful service to continue for the convenience of customers. — Yours faithfully,
Sylvia Hughes, Milley Lane, Hare Hatch
I missed a snow picture
Sir, — Like many readers, I was caught up in the gridlock caused by the sudden Arctic conditions a fortnight ago (Standard, October 31).
I found it very disappointing there were no photographs of the lovely winter wonderland created by the unseasonal snowfall.
Charming as your photograph of the rescued baby hedgehogs was, it didn’t quite make up for the absence of a picture of the snow-covered fields and trees I saw while driving from Caversham to Watlington via Nettlebed. — Yours faithfully,
Alexis Alexander, Gosbrook Road, Caversham
Gentleman, fine coach
Sir, — I was saddened to read the obituary of Bill Wallace that the Standard published in last week’s edition. Not only was Bill a fine coach who had an innate ability to introduce young boys to the sport of rowing, he was also a gentleman. — Yours faithfully,
S.J. Horner, Past chairman, Shiplake Viking Rowing Club
Time to use it or lose it
Sir, — Friends from Ludlow, were visiting us at the weekend and on Saturday night we took them to the Kenton Theatre.
It was a delightful celebratory evening for the theatre’s 203rd birthday. Our friends really enjoyed the show and were absolutely enchanted with the theatre. However, they could not believe that so few people were in the audience.
Wake up, Henley. Why, out of thousands, can’t we produce 200 people to support our theatre, a jewel in the town? Inexpensive and on your doorstep, the theatre offers a hugely varied programme of professional events, produced by the tremendously hard-working, voluntary team who administer and run the theatre. However hard they work, it will die without Henley’s support. — Yours faithfully,
Judy Yeates, The Warren, Caversham
Minority who spoil things
Sir, — I am writing regarding the many articles published in this paper regarding the closure of shops in the town. I visited Henley last Saturday to carry out some early Christmas shopping. Having entered many of the shops trading in both Bell Street and the Market Place, I felt I had to comment on the service I received in one particular establishment.
I was appalled with the service, or lack of, in a clothing chain situated next door to Maythers in Bell Street. The staff were extremely rude, unhelpful and the queue to be served at the till was close to tailing out of the door.
The store manager I spoke to appeared unconcerned with the situation and informed me I would need to contact their head office, before turning her back on me to serve other customers. I will be contacting the chain’s HO in due course. I fear none of the staff had received adequate training, if any.
The standard in all other outlets I visited was exceptional. However, it is instances like this that can drive people away from Henley, as if it had been the first retailer I had visited I would have got straight back into my car and gone home.
I am concerned events like this can have an effect on a town’s trade, as in these situations I could tell 10 people, who will tell five more and so on. It is a shame that amongst the majority of retailers fighting for survival, there is a minority that is working against them. — Yours faithfully,
Susan Andrews, Caversham Heights, Reading
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