SIR: I read with interest "Disappointed's" letter about the Eagley Brass Band, BEN Thursday, January 1.

Every New Year's Day, they turn out in all weathers to play carols round Eagley Village. This year they started at 9.30am, and as I made my way to work at 1pm they were walking down Blackburn Road, still carrying their instruments. So that is two days over the Christmas period, they have given up their free time, to play for the Bolton public (that we know about).

They also gave freely of their time, to play carols for the elderly patients on the ward I work on, the Saturday before Christmas in 1997 and 1996.

How many other people would give of their time freely at this family time of year, to entertain the general public? Please don't knock them for turning out. They cannot play on every street corner.

Why was a nom-de-plume used in this letter, is the writer afraid of 'serious personal repercussions'?

Mrs Maureen Heggie

Eagley Bank, Bolton

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