S BETTY, of Dartmouth, writes:

I have never felt compelled to write to the paper before, but it was with a mixture of sadness and anger that I read the report of the Dartmouth in Bloom coup in your article dated February 7. I thought the article a little one-sided but I assume that is because your reporter was briefed by one of the coup leaders.

I know many of the people who have until recently, been involved in the running of Dartmouth in Bloom. Some of them were associated with the organisation over many years. They are in my opinion decent honest folk, who were dedicated to creating the floral displays that we have all enjoyed in the past and which have gained much praise and many awards.

Perhaps their one fault was being too nice. They failed to realise how malevolent, manipulative and duplicitous some people can be. I guess they know now, but too late.

I certainly have no intention of giving any assistance to Dartmouth in Bloom in its present incarnation and I would suggest that any previous or prospective donors, whether public, porporate or personal, acquaint themselves with the facts of the coup before parting with any money.