AFTER reading Judy Fowler’s recent letter I’m pleased to say I’m finally resting my pen.

If looking back some 70 years simply helping others at my own expense, plus refusing any form of reward in any form, has affected Judy in this way – then I’m sorry, but I’d do it all over again.

Unlike endless public servants, show biz or celebrity types that generally hug our media attention simply mostly for their own image, I feel very lucky that over so many years editors of this fine family local newspaper have supported my efforts.

I can’t help what you, Judy, term as me ‘mangling’ with the English language. My past English teacher had no problem with me, which in turn helped me write a world best-selling book for charity.

She also told me to ‘speak up for myself ’ which is what everyone else naturally does, especially in support of others who can’t.

The sport of pigeon racing which I’ve been involved in since I was a boy has never been recognised by the media like other sports. Yet I say not one single other sport can match me and my sport’s contribution over such a period of time in support of those in need.

So I’m challenging anyone for the world’s most successful ‘human/animal partnership in the world over 70 years in support of human needs.

May I also add, Mr Editor, how sad I was to learn of the passing of a great character and caring editor of our local paper of the past in Ken Dykes.

Gerald Stoodley, Turin Court, Andover.