THERE IS A PIC ATTACHED TO THIS EMAIL IT really is a shame that the Roundhouse has been burnt down as reported in today's Adver (Oct 29).

My feelings go mostly to Chris Park and the crew who built and loved it.

Imagine how any of us would feel seeing something that we had made with our own hands, with skill and care, burnt to the ground.

My feelings also go to followers of the Swindon Festival of Literature, many of whom had come to regard the Roundhouse as one of the festival's key venues for great events.

For example, on the penultimate day of the last festival in May, scores of people, both young and old, gathered at dusk, by firelight, on that beautiful ridge overlooking Swindon, for stories and songs in the Roundhouse. It was magical.

Already, as plans get under way for next year's festival, there have been many requests from the people of Swindon for more events in the Roundhouse.

But that will now not be possible, which is very sad.

MATT HOLLAND Lower Shaw Farm Shaw Swindon