RECENTLY I was walking across the Lawns when I kicked something metallic. It turned out to be a magic lamp.

I began to clean it and a genie emerged. He was so grateful and granted me a wish, just one because it was only a second class genie. So I wished for peace on earth.

The genie was devastated as he thought it was well beyond his ability and asked me for a different one.

So I requested that Swindon Town be developed into a well run, successful club playing good football.

The genie looked at me for a moment, blinked and then suggested thinking again about peace throughout the world.

DENIS O'NEILL

Windsor Road, Swindon