Robin dADSON, of Churchfields, Dartmouth, writes:

How I whole heartedly agree with RD Lawrence and D Prettyjohns who commented in your edition of November 11 on earlier remarks made by Johnny Chick in which he referred to the 'cider-swilling, burger-munching barbarians' that visit the town during Dartmouth Regatta.

What a pompous, offensive idiot this man appears to be.

Like Mr Lawrwence, prior to retiring to Dartmouth, I also visited the town on an annual basis for 50 years in order to enjoy the wonderful atmosphere of the annual royal regatta.

Seldom in all that time did I personally encounter any 'barbarians' although I must admit to sampling more than a few locally-brewed ciders – real farmhouse scrumpy that is, rather than those now available.

I have also made a point of participating in some of the novelty events and also the traditional tug o' war and have always experienced a most enjoyable time in the company of local residents and visitors alike, all of whom were simply out to have a jolly time.

As for crowds, I recall, years ago, the landlord of a local hostelry telling me of 60 coaches coming in from Plymouth alone on regatta Saturday, bringing people to participate in the general events which must have represented around 3,000 visitors from that one single area.

I have noted with some amusement that Mr Chick is the proprietor of a local business.

Maybe he should reflect that referring to potential customers as he did and clearly upsetting many local residents as a result may not be the best way of surviving in these hard economic times.

People might just vote with their feet, Mr Chick, if you are not more careful.