SIR — In the Friday, January 20 edition of your paper you were kind enough to give prominence to a letter notifying your readers that the Rotary Club of the Quantocks' annual international charity lunch was being held at the Minehead Rugby Club on January 29.

I am pleased to report that, thanks to the generous response of the people of West Somerset, the lunch raised £1,100 - for the second year running, a record amount.

This was the 20th year we have held this event at the rugby club, raising a total of over £14,000 for our international charities.

On this anniversary, my club wishes to pay tribute to the rugby club for allowing it to use its excellent facilities during those years.

In the club's calendar, Sunday is not a major match day; it is, however, an important day for its 14 junior teams holding either matches or training sessions.

Our use of the clubroom therefore causes the club, its steward and assistants some disruption. Without exception, this has been borne with patience and willing co-operation.

The club has 200 local youngsters, both boys and girls, from the Under 7s to the Under 16s, on its register. This represents a huge and admirable commitment by the club in developing the character and skills of our local youngsters.

Other clubs in our area associated with different sports mount similar development programmes for young people.

There is therefore no justification in maintaining that there is nothing for West Somerset youngsters to do in their recreation time.

Peter Kirkham,

Chairman,

Quantocks Rotary Club International Committee.