I AM writing on behalf of my trade union Usdaw to thank the people of Tolpuddle for their welcome and hospitality during the Tolpuddle festival.

I make no apology for giving a particular mention and pride of place to the very elegant ladies of the village who prepared and served the lovely cream teas at the church hall just opposite Tolpuddle parish church.

There has long been a synergy between Usdaw and the churches in the context of keeping Sunday special.

One Usdaw objective is shop closure on Remembrance Sunday out of respect for the men and women of HM Forces and to give proper time and space for the events of Remembrance Sunday.

I must compliment the village of Tolpuddle on their successful expansion of the church hall. And suffice to say no visit to the Tolpuddle Festival is complete without savouring a proper local Dorset cream tea prepared and served by the excellent ladies of Tolpuddle.

JOHN BARSTOW Member, Usdaw Executive Council