AS always, a wonderfully written letter by Ron Wood (Same old ritual fails to serve town or its fallen – Andover Advertiser, November 21).

Ron also mentioned what the manager of the Chantry Centre had organised re highlighting ‘Animals in War,’ which I personally congratulate.

I do hope the public learned just how important carrier pigeons were in both world wars and not only the humans they saved but the suffering they endured themselves.

The monies raised during this exhibition, which in turn was highlighted so well in our Advertiser, was also great.

Also the coverage via our local Andover Advertiser was wonderful, which in turn was highlighted in our own pigeon journals, which are read worldwide.

May I add, Mr Editor, pigeon fanciers nationwide raise hundreds and thousands [of pounds] for charities, especially for armed forces past and present.

Apart from using my own pigeons supporting human needs for some 70 years I’ve supported each year from the 1950s helping to raise funds for our armed forces, like the Old Comrades, etc some £10,000!

I do hope our new editor allows me space in the coming years to highlight such an unreported hobby and sport as pigeon racing. To ex editor Ken Dykes: If your new book is just a fraction as good as you were when once editor of our great local Andover Advertiser – save me a copy Ken.

Gerald Stoodley, Turin Court, Andover