SIR — Born and bred in this beautiful and historical area, I come back to visit every few years for my "old home town fix" . Having lived in New Zealand (a very young country in terms of world history) for the past 32 years, I return to the UK to not only visit family and friends, but also for the need to stand beneath the old oaks, to tread the steps others have for centuries before, to touch the ancient timbers and stone once again, knowing they've been standing for half a century and more (and hoping they'll keep on standing). Imagine my horror at reading last week's letter from another visitor to the area suggesting the Dunster Yarn Market be moved, the reason being it is a hazard to human safety. Why is it that people feel the need to shove aside everything that is old or beautiful to accommodate the human race in the name of progress? Because one careless woman omitted to keep a careful watch on her child on a busy street, upsetting someone's day, the ancient building is blamed and therefore should be moved to another place! The whole world has gone crazy, particularly with the invention of the various Health and Safety Acts in progressive countries around the globe. These days, it seems, one whinging voice can do so much to harm so many. The West Country is special; there's nothing quite like it in all the world, and our quaint villages and slower pace of life are our heritage; they are precious and must not be lost. It's high time the human race learned to build their lives around these beautiful old buildings and narrow country lanes, to live in harmony with our surroundings and in balance with nature. Please don't let the whingers spoil this special place. Kate Winters, 92 Mangaroa Valley Road, RD1 Upper Hutt, New Zealand. Kate (nee White) would be pleased to hear from any friends who remember her - she used to live at Church Farm Cottage, Higher Town, Minehead; Laurel Cottage, Doverhay, Porlock; and the Olde House, High Street, Dunster. She be contacted at the address above or by email - [email protected]">[email protected]. nz.
