Sir.-I have been trying to find the words to say thank you for the A Place to be Proud of award I received.

Yes, I do believe in our town and all the things that involves, but to receive this award, I - for a change - was lost for words.

Festival Place should give everyone a pat on the back for such a wonderful job they did in order for the evening to run so smoothly.

Over the last few years, I have had a few setbacks, including a spell last year when I was rushed into hospital and nearly died. If it were not for the staff and their actions, I would not be here today.

In the last month or so, I have received a letter telling me that one of my poems is to be published in a book, then, the day after the awards ceremony, I opened my post to a letter telling me that one of my children's stories is to be published in a book in June.

It goes to show what can happen to someone, just around the corner, and that is why I will never give up.

Disability is not a problem - it's just a hurdle to overcome.

-George Potten, Dryden Close, Basingstoke.

Sir.- I read, with pride, the honour bestowed upon George Potten.

He is a wonderful man and continues to amaze me with his creativity, kindness and sensitivity, as does his wife.

George is so deserving of his award and I am truly happy to see him recognised for all he has done and continues to do.

I have known George for many years because he is married to Anne, my stepsister. I live in the USA but I return to England every year for two weeks to see my mother and other members of the family.

I can honestly say my visits would not be complete without seeing George and Anne, who are truly inspiring. My thanks to Basingstoke for this fabulous recognition.

-Monica Lauder, Ohio, USA.

Sir.-We are very proud indeed to be part of the very best community theatre project ever to be staged in our town by The Anvil.

We have, between us, appeared in more stage musicals, plays, concerts and cabaret events than we care to remember. But nothing equals the experience of our participation in The Anvil's production of All Change!

The concept of the piece, the quality of the composition and the range of theatrical skills required - both performance and technical - place this event beyond what our theatre-going population will have witnessed before. It is a truly remarkable experience. Those who miss this will regret it.

The appeal is huge - the story is accessible to all ages and the music ranges through 16-part choral harmony to blues, jazz, country and western and ballads. There is great light and shade throughout the performance.

We wish to pay tribute not only to the vision of The Anvil management but also to the extraordinarily talented professional production team who have been hired to stage this unique and spectacular theatre experience - and, of course, to the composer and lyricist. Stunning!

We regard our participation in All Change! as a truly life-changing event for us and a unique opportunity for those people of Basingstoke who value something very special in terms of their theatre-going experience.

Yes, we are very proud of Basingstoke and of The Anvil, and of our fellow citizens, with whom it is a real privilege to rehearse and perform.

-Ann and Paul Connolly, Yew Tree Close, Oakley.

Sir.-To those who did not manage to see Basingstoke Amateur Operatic Society's production of Jesus Christ Superstar, at the Haymarket Theatre, you missed something quite amazing.

An amateur company with an exceptional production to professional standards could not be faulted.

Congratulations to the entire company for an amazing experience.

-Shirley Pizzey, e-mail.