Derek Guy, of Townstal Road, Dartmouth, writes:

I have been following the debate regarding the Dartmouth Regatta and the backlash against Johny Chick's comments.

While I feel that the 'cider- swilling dross' comment was a bit over the top, a lot of what he says should be listened to.

The regatta was originally a time when local folk would enjoy a few days off together and partake in various waterbourne activities, with family and friends cheering them on and, as everybody knew everyone else, all the community would be out enjoying the events.

Now things have changed to the point where some elderly folk stock up with supplies and don't venture outside their doors during regatta, and other people leave town alltogether for somewhere a lot more peaceful.

Traders are openly seeing this as a money making excercise and the event has got so big and out of proportion that its origins are lost in the throng of the crowds and the merry chiming of the tills.

The problem of drinking to excess, of course, is a problem, with many who venture out in the evenings having to avoid groups of loud-mouthed, alchohol-fueled revellers who have little or no consideration for others around them.

I personally don't care for the regatta much - I've seen it all before.

Nothing will change, however, while the desire by some to attract more open purses into the town is the ruling factor in the running of the event.

One other thing that doesn't sit well with me is the display by the Tornado aircraft. How can we glorify a machine which is built for no other purpose than to destroy?