In reply to Mike Chivers’ letter of 5 April, my apologies to him for getting his age wrong in my review in the Swindon Advertiser, of Sheila and Friends at the Arts Centre. Unfortunately Mike, like the muppet I am, I misread certain information I had. I cannot comment on Mrs Thompson getting it wrong as I don't know her sources.

You see I have now reached the ripe old age of 62, or nearly, so things aren’t quite as clear as they used to be. Maybe my hearing and sight is slightly worse than it was. Maybe I can’t hear all those dodgy notes when people are singing any more. My skin has certainly got thicker over the years. I’m really worried now, that maybe I also commented wrongly on the fact that I had heard many younger gentleman sing the song you sang, but not as well. So apologies if I got that wrong too. Can't remember what it was called because my brain is also not what it used to be. Or is it because I can’t spell the title without looking it up?

So you see Mike, I don’t seem to know anything about anything anymore. Or do I? Congratulations on winning your class at the Swindon Festival this year. Not bad for a nearly 82 year old. One thing I will remember now is how old you are. I’ve written it down for future reference.

Ros Hollands, Swindon