Sir, - Last week a letter to your newspaper drew attention to Hunton's recent success in the Village of the Year competition 2001. However, your correspondent asserted the report submitted in support of our bid made no reference to the annual Hunton steam gathering, and implied that the judges would not be aware of the range of local views held over the need for our new village hall.

I was the principal author of that report, prepared on behalf of Hunton parish council, which ran to several thousand words. In the interests of accuracy I would be pleased if you would publish the following two extracts.

The Hunton steam gathering. - Normally this event takes place in September on the fields of a local farmer half a mile from the village centre. This year it was cancelled owing to foot-and-mouth disease precautions. The steam gathering started in a small way some years ago and arose from the enthusiasm for steam traction of the former landlord of the Countryman's inn in Hunton. Over the years, the event has grown. It now lasts for two days and has an almost professional programme of events which includes steam machines, of course, vintage cars and commercial vehicles, vintage bicycles, an ancient family tractor rally, display teams, horse-drawn vehicles, a fairground and bands. Hunton WI promotes a craft fair/exhibition/competition for art, baking and home produce, photography, handwriting by village children and a flower show. The event, is well attended by the village and attracts many visitors. Some funds are donated to charitable causes.

The village hall was built in 1927 by public subscription. The land is held in trust for the village, and the parish council is represented, but the hall is wholly managed by the Hunton village hall committee. The existing building is too small, and so old that maintenance costs are disproportionate. The proposal to seek funds from the National Lottery to build a replacement hall was the subject of debate within the village with very strong views being held both for and against the proposal. Ultimately, the majority view was that the existing hall should be retained and renovated, but with an extension which will treble the floor space.

The report was with the parish council before its despatch to the Village of the Year competition. Copies were on display to the public at the village presentations to the competition judges.

In preparing our narrative report it was necessary for me, as a comparative newcomer to the village, to consult others who have lived in Hunton for many years. Without their enthusiastic co-operation the task would have been impossible.

Coun IAN TUGWELL

Sprockets,

Hunton,

Bedale.