Letters

Dear Editor
Firstly, I must make clear that the event was run by Syston Town Council and supported by the Royal British Legion, not vice-versa as reported.
Then, I feel that I must express my disappointment about the letter written by S. Blaxland in the July issue of the Stn relating to the D-Day 80 celebrations.
To read that they were disgusted by the event and that it wasn’t advertised enough is staggering. The event and timings were set out in a poster that was distributed far and wide as well as in the June issue of the Stn. I wonder what else we were expected to do to get the message out there?
The Syston Cadets managed by Kieran McCrory, Second Lieutenant, (B) Tiger Squadron played a key role in standing for a Guard of Honour for the arrival of the Lord Lieutenant and providing assistance and litter picking around the park. I wonder if these are “a few people hanging around in uniform” according to S. Blaxland, how disrespectful to our young cadets is that?
The plinth with an oil lamp on top, was not the beacon, this was for the Lord Lieutenant to light for peace after he gave his tribute.
The Syston Band played excellently and local singer, Sarah Clarke sang a variety of songs from the 1940s, but according to the letter’s author, neither the band or Sarah were present, they arrived in time to perform from 7pm.
The D-Day 80 commemorations were instructed directly via Bruno Peak, the National Pageant Master. It was the choice of Syston Town Council and the RBL to make the event bigger and to try and include something for everyone. The main event of the lighting of the Beacon at 9.15pm along with the rest of the country, parts of Europe, USA and Canada was not negotiable. 
We have received many compliments about the event, so it is regrettable that this one harsh and unfair criticism has found its way to the July issue. 
Next year is VE80 Day and based on the compliments we have received, we are looking to make this a bigger weekend event, although the lighting of the Beacon will remain on VE Day anniversary itself. We hope that those that enjoyed D-Day80 will support both ours and the Town Council’s efforts to make this a happy and enjoyable occasion with no room for negativity.
Paul Baxter
Vice Chairman of Syston Royal British Legion

Dear Editor,
Once again I personally would like to thank the Deputy Town Manager Ursula Southan who designed the floral displays and the lovely parks department who care for all the beautiful displays of flowers around Syston very uplifting to see such lovely blooms especially around the park and down the side of the brook, they smell divine and the whole town looks amazing.
H. Gamble