May I join in the 'praise' of Shirley Mathias who has announced her retirement. You really ought not to retire people so young because she cannot be any legal retirement age!

I began to know Shirley in the 1970s when she was but a bit of a lass and have been pleased to be interviewed by her several times over the past years, especially until 1983.

I have never been able to fault her professionalism, enthusiasm and gut feeling for the poor and under-privileged.

Never once did she misquote me and while we disagreed on some things, I could trust her to put her viewpoint honestly.

I'm glad to be able to say "I was interviewed by that woman ace from the Evening Ad".

Many happy years of retirement, Shirley, and I'll still be glad to see you stirring up things in your weekly column ... and thanks for everything. You do now owe me a pie and pint!

(Rev) H DERRYCK EVANS

Westmorland Road

Swindon