HOW dismayed I was to read the letter from the chairman of Wisbech Society, Brian Payne, in which he referred to the town beadle behaving in such a childish way with a rose between his teeth . On this occasion the sale of roses was for the mayor s charit

HOW dismayed I was to read the letter from the chairman of Wisbech Society, Brian Payne, in which he referred to the town beadle "behaving in such a childish way with a rose between his teeth".

On this occasion the sale of roses was for the mayor's charity, a wonderful event raising many hundreds of pounds.

The beadle, Mr Hopkins, I thought entered into the spirit of the day and while the seriousness of raising much-needed funds was paramount I think it very unfair of Mr Payne to pass judgement on such a fine upstanding citizen.

Everyone who came into contact with the beadle was drawn by his warmth and friendliness.

Let's just think back to the recent re-dedication of the town's mace. Who was it who strode with the utmost pride and dignity from St Peter's Church to the Council Chamber?

Who, when he is in uniform and is approached by visitors welcomes them with a wealth of history and spends time and effort promoting Wisbech, and who loves nothing more than to visit local schools and talk to the children about the role he plays? That's right; the beadle.

Quite rightly Mr Payne says in his letter that the mayor is the town's first citizen and whenever he represents Wisbech and chooses to wear ceremonial robes his presence should be accompanied by respect and dignity.

However, I think you would have to go a long way to find a person with more pride for our town than Mr Hopkins.

I for one on this occasion applaud our beadle for showing that while he is a man of character he also enters into the spirit of events and takes pleasure in events he attends.

Three cheers for our town beadle.

DEIDRE DRINKWATER

High Road

Wisbech