I WANT to say how much we enjoyed the football played at Langlands Stadium on Sunday, May 2. We only saw the final between Newtown Sports Colts and Newtown Sports Juniors. The standard of football was excellent and entertaining considering these boys were under 13 and they were playing on a full-sized pitch.

It was also nice to see no spitting, foul language or dirty play. It was a pity one team had to lose, so congratulations to the Colts and condolences to the Juniors. The officials also did a great job in this match.

Also a special mention to all the people who put endless time and effort into giving these boys, and not forgetting the girls, the opportunity to enjoy a game of football. Good luck to them all.

PATRICIA EASTABROOK, Springfield Glade, Malvern.

'Brainwashing'

I read the article ('Design new flag', Ledbury Reporter, May 7) and must admit I am a little concerned as to the Gloucestershire Libraries scheme in Newent to encourage youngsters to design a new flag for the new enlarged Europe.

Are we now to expect a swathe of similar local government projects aimed at 'brainwashing' our youth to accept our nation's involvement in Europe! Is this yet another attempt by our Government to get a sceptical public to accept their agenda of 'Europeanisation' via the back door!

When, for instance, are our children going to be asked to design a new British Euro coin or banknotes! Where will it end?

Are our children being groomed to accept a European state as the norm? Do they have to be bribed with cash incentives? Can they not be schooled in the pride of their English heritage and the fact that we have stood against certain factions of Europe in two world wars to protect everything they now take for granted, liberty, freedom of speech and respect for our sovereign Queen.

Please, Newent Library, show a measure of respect for our great country, though this present Government seem hell bent on selling the family silver to Brussels, give the kids a chance to see both sides of the story!

Alan Bennett, Wellington Heath.

I'm still waiting

I noticed with interest Mr Dodsworth's letter regarding the flagpole and how he had appealed to the council to take pride in it.

I applaud Mr Dodsworth's efforts but can appreciate his frustration with the council.

A few years ago I wrote to the council with what I considered (with my many years experience in advertising and publicity) a good idea that would boost both business and tourism. I put forward a list of ideas and offered my services free of charge. Nobody ever replied to my letter, not even to say thanks but no thanks.

I take my hat off to Select World Travel for its wonderful efforts with the flagpole.

Let's show our pride and fly the f