MR Butler’s advice that I should take up some local charity work shows him to be as misinformed as usual.

When I was Mayor of Eastleigh I set up the Arts and Youth Trust to provide financial assistance to local young people needing a helping hand meeting the costs of tuition or equipment in music, dance or youth organisations such as Scouts, Guides or the Boys’ Brigade.

I have run this charity for nearly 20 years, assisted by my six trustees.

Clearly Mr Butler didn’t know this. Judging from his letters in the press, there are an awful lot of things Mr Butler doesn’t know. He has opinions, of course. Just no knowledge.

When I said I was retiring from writing letters, I said I would no longer waste my time responding to the likes of Mr Butler, who don’t base their arguments on facts or evidence but blind belief and hot air. All they want is a shouting match. Get on with it. I have more important things to do. You wouldn’t bring yourself to agree with me if I told you December 25 is Christmas Day.

If Mr Heather re-reads my letter, he will see that I actually said ‘justified criticism is acceptable’.

If you disagree with me, give facts, figures and evidence and maybe you’ll persuade me to change my mind.

I have plenty of friends I disagree with about certain matters. We’re still friends.

Sorry to disappoint you both, but I retain an open mind.

That, I know, is anathema to those with closed ones. But if the cap fits, wear it.

MARTIN KYRLE.