DISAPPOINTMENT tinged with annoyance and then utter disbelief, on hearing the announcement that the Flavours of Herefordshire Festival was to be cancelled.

It was one of the most successful annual happenings in Hereford, which was gaining popularity and respect by the year.

Why kill off something in the year of the Three Choirs Festival and the Magna Carta celebrations?

Was this serious or was it a way of shaking up others, hoping they'd take up the challenge?

Our county has fantastic home grown/home-made food, and arts and crafts. There was a time when there were plans for our county to become a County of Crafts. Sadly this was shelved due to lack of funds. The decision was short-sighted, but understandable but if it had gone ahead, we'd be laughing now.

Please don't let this happen again. I believe there was talk of a small entry fee...why small? We pay approximately £8 to £10 at the Abergavenny Food Festival. A reasonable charge would surely be acceptable and certainly help towards the shortfall.

If this had been done in the past, it would have resulted in a possible healthy bank balance.

Please make it happen; there are enough well-meaning Herefordians who will be proud to make it happen.

JOYCE POWELL Vowchurch