I HAVE read with interest the recent correspondence in your letters column about past Redditch carnivals.

It is quite right that Wilson's Fun Fair always took over the centre of the town for the carnival night. It was magical and one of the happiest memories of my youth.

I worked at Whiteley & Pickering, solicitors, on Unicorn Hill and on the Friday before carnival day, the roundabout would arrive and be put up just outside the office window for the morrow's jollification.

Of course, no through traffic was allowed. Maybe the idea was to copy the medieval fairs which were held in village centres. With a band playing in the bandstand on the parade and the fountain flowing everyone enjoyed themselves and dipped deep in their pockets for the Smallwood Hospital.

With regard to the picture you published in your September 4 issue showing the traditional pig roast, the gentleman you name as Harold Ralph is not "the man pointing" as you specify but the white-haired gentleman standing next to him.

My father, Robert 'Pal' Hunter also worked for the hospital and was greatly concerned with the organisation of the carnival. He often discussed arrangements with Mr Ralph when I was present and although only young then, I remember Mr Ralph well.

Thank you for printing such happy memories of 'old' Redditch.

FRANCES CALE (nee Hunter)

West Wellow

Nr Romsey

Hants