I SEEM to have given the erroneous impression that village children walked a railway line with the knowledge of their parents and I would like the opportunity to dispel such a notion.

It is certainly true that almost the entire countryside was once their playground and one that could be used in safety.

Alas, that idyllic scene is no longer and the happy sounds of children have left the land, together with other innocents, like lapwing and skylark.

Perverts and paedophiles are almost expected round every corner and the ever-increasing pace of life means that one in four of us will sometimes need help in our passage through it.

That we could put back the clock and start afresh with the benefit of hindsight is something we all dearly wish at times and none more so than myself today but the dynamics of progress allows no stopping or going back to reconsider.

Country people have lost much in the headlong rush of change but our recent tragedy has shown that human kindness is still here in abundance.

To the many who shared some facet of their lives with Bruce (Peanut) in friendship I am deeply grateful.

To the few whose minds and sly tongue take pleasure in another's misfortune or discomfort I can only say remember you or yours might someday be among the unlucky one in four in need of help.

JIM WICK

Cuckoos Knob

Wootton Rivers