SIR — Your report on the West Somerset Railway Association EGM (Free Press May 15) requires some comment. The spokesperson for the Reform Group, in her opening speech, subjected the membership to a long-winded preamble of things that she did not want to talk about and covered all of the problems that have been the subject of claim and counter claim that the membership have received during the previous few weeks. Despite a statement made in the group's yellow handout prior to the start of the meeting that she would speak first on each motion and would do so briefly, I am sorry to say that I learnt nothing from her speech, it was a complete waste of everyone's time. The membership passed the resolutions of no confidence in the board and for an independent review into the aims and objectives of the WSRA. However, the three proposals to remove named trustees were in two cases lost and in the third case there was a tied vote which was decided by the chairman's casting vote. It was at this juncture that voices were heard regarding proxy voting. The chairman was within his rights to close the meeting as the five proposals on the agenda had been dealt with, but the Reform Group were trying to introduce two "advisory motions". However, these could not be put to the meeting as this did not form part of the business of this extraordinary general meeting. The time has now come for the early appointment of an independent chairman tasked to undertake, with input from all interested parties, a complete root and branch review of the WSRA aims and objectives which was voted upon at this meeting. The sooner this happens the better for everyone concerned. I would also like to know who authorised or approved the recording of the meeting. This was not put to a vote or mentioned at anytime during the proceedings. Finally, the weekend was devoted nationally to "peace and reconciliation" - regrettably there was not much of this sentiment in evidence at the Bishops Lydeard Village Hall on the afternoon of May 10. Raymond A Austin, Frimley Road, Chessington.