WHATEVER happened to Whitsun? In keeping with present day secularisation, it is now mostly ignored by producers of calendars and diaries, having been replaced as a Bank Holiday by two others with no religious significance. Like Easter, it was a moveable feast, coming 50 days later at Pentecost.

In my youth, Whit Monday was always an eventful day when well-attended Sunday schools all joined a parade through the town with bands, floats, displays and horse-drawn drays for the little ones. The procession headed for the "rec" (recreation ground) where a short open-air service was held. We returned to our respective churches for an excellent tea, after which we could return to the "rec" where there were swings and roundabouts.

In this celebration, we learnt of the culmination of Easter. The Lord Jesus, after dying on the cross for us on Good Friday, rose again of Easter Day and 40 days later ascended into heaven. Ten days later He sent His Holy Spirit to empower His scared and timid disciples so that they could powerfully proclaim that Jesus is alive and Lord and Saviour. The message of Whitsun or Pentecost is still relevant today, for Jesus is still alive, and He still saves people from their sins when they call upon Him.

Fred Pontin, Albert Park Road, Malvern.