I write in reply with anger and a feeling of being thoroughly insulted by the article headed "Parade decision is panned by critics" which appeared in the Standard on August 1.

I do not write this letter on behalf of the Tillingham Flower Show committee, but I cannot help feeling somewhat betrayed by the Maldon and Burnham Standard for printing this article and giving it such importance as to allow it to have mention on the front page and full story on page two.

More infuriating is it was written by a one-time resident of Tillingham, whose family still lives in the village.

This letter is not an attack upon the children of the hobbies club, I am just saddened this disagreement had to be broadcast in such a way. I can fully understand the children put long hard hours into making their project, adding to the disappointment of not coming first, but this would then suggest they were only in it with full expectations of winning.

Joining the flower show committee is not usually something I talk fondly about as it is not looked upon as the "in thing", but after living in Tillingham for 27 years, I found I wanted to give something back and so I feel to allow the committee to be attacked in this way and to just stand back would be immoral.

The committee work all year trying to pull this event together with only one thought at the forefront of their minds and that is we hope a good day is enjoyed by all and after such hard work I would have thought we were entitled to revel in our few moments of glory, only to find it overshadowed by this damaging article.

The parade was judged solely on opinion and I can only assume the WI were chosen as the winners for the recycling message they were trying to send out. Therefore, just because this is not the same opinion as a small group of others, it is then condonable behaviour to throw a tantrum. What a great role model of leadership for the children's club!

Tillingham Flower Show is not a money-making venture and would gain nothing from "fixing" such an event, but are we now to ban the giving of prizes for fear of upsetting those who are bad sports?

In the weeks leading up to the show, I had the pleasure of speaking proudly of Tillingham when meeting many new people who have chosen to take up residence here and after reading such an article, I can only expect they now think they have moved into a cheating, villainous village.

It was suggested in the article that judging could be held on the green in full view. A great idea, but what a shame, the committee always welcomes new ideas and encourages new members and so I would like to suggest that if there is a problem, maybe before getting on a soap box and damaging the show's reputation, these members of the public would like to funnel their energies into helping develop the flower show.

I struggled to understand, beforehand, why some schools were led to ban competitive sports, but if this is the behaviour that carries on over a village flower show, they have my full sympathy.

I can only hope the children of the hobbies club will not be deterred from entering again and come fighting back for that first and that those participating in other fields have not lost their trust in us.

Kelly Andrews
Tillingham