I AM not surprised that Debbie and Ian Ribbands failed to make a go of running The Woodman s Cottage pub in Gorefield. My husband and I ate there during the first week they were there and my meal was inedible. I complained to Ian who told me to go down th

I AM not surprised that Debbie and Ian Ribbands failed to make a go of running The Woodman's Cottage pub in Gorefield.

My husband and I ate there during the first week they were there and my meal was inedible.

I complained to Ian who told me to go down the road to the butcher's where the meat came from!

I got no apology and paid in full.

I followed up with a letter with no reply. They must first learn how to treat the public to survive anywhere. I look forward to the future now they have gone.

Chrissie Brinton

(via email)

I AM sorry that Ian and Debbie found the need to complain about the local community of Gorefield.

While we were at the Woodman's, our clientele were not only local, but from far and wide.

The villagers that supported us also supported Ian and Debbie. The Gorefield Lunch Club was solely started for the occupants of Gorefield, consisted of 45-50 members and was well attended every month.

These members still supported Ian and Debbie when we left and we had a merry band of local drinkers, young and old, who supported us every week (some every day!).

We had our lovely regulars who ate with us every week and they also gave Ian and Debbie a go.

Not everything that happened from then on is down to the local people.

I know I am in the majority when I write this letter and I would like to thank the locals for the wonderful memories of our time at the Woodman's Cottage. Hard work? Yes it was but you get back what you give.

MAGGIE TUCK

(former landlady and chef of the Woodman' Cottage

and local resident of Gorefield)