THE sickening vandalism of the ice house (SA, February 11) triggered for me very happy memories.

In 1936/7/8 this was the headquarters of the Swindon 7th Rover Scout group of which I was, and probably am its only surviving member.

Splendid activities included weekends spent under canvas on the Wiltshire Downs as well as boating and swimming activities at Coate Water during the glorious days of summer.

Swindonians flocked to Coate Water on summer evenings to watch the exciting water polo matches.

The preservation of Coate Water in its present form for future generations is the sacred duty of Swindon Borough Council.

FRANK AVENELL Beckhampton Street Swindon