I SEE the Bromsgrove Women's Festival once again took the town by storm at the weekend.

As ever, I assume it is a serious and genuine attempt to focus on issues that affect women, an opportunity to acknowledge the diversity, challenges, successes and opportunities faced by all women; an annual focal point to celebrate roles of mothers, daughters, sisters, grandmothers, lovers and friends.

Women are black and white, old and young, loved and hated, cherished and beaten, carers and cared for, workers and worked against, nurturers and givers, child bearers or childless, heterosexual or homosexual.

You can add your own adjectives for half of the human race.

How encouraging then to see the line -up of events so carefully and sensitively provided by Bromsgrove District Council.

Displays of sugarcraft, hair and beauty, lingerie, cosmetics and toiletries, fashion and accessories.

Oh, and a fashion show! This is how our council defines and delivers a festival for women.

As a man, I'd rather not accuse the organisers of laziness, pandering, stereotyping, bigotry, lack of real consultation or imagination or the guts to provide anything other than a paltry show of sugar and spice.

Instead I'll look forward to the first Bromsgrove Men's Festival and await the displays promoting lager swilling, white vans, curry binging, xenophobia, wife beating and horse racing.

Chris Hinchley

Highfields,

Bromsgrove.

Via e-mail.