Sir, I must thank Mr. Ivor Jenkins for the kind remarks and support in his letter to the Observer on January 16. He is of course a long time contributor to these columns, and always seems to have his finger on the pulse with regards to Tenby and its residents. Many people will question the validity of the percentage figures claimed by Clr. George. From whom were they obtained? Was it from 50 Welsh speaking teachers? Or all the members of Plaid Cymru? Or from ordinary people on the street? All may be revealed in time to come, but don't hold your breath! Oh dear, Clr. Jonathan Preston, Plaid Cymru PCC (love the title), has grasped the wrong end of the stick. The choirs of Pembrokeshire and our friends in Whitland enjoy singing many Welsh songs and hymns in concerts given all over the county and at the same time raising thousands of pounds for Welsh charities. So I am not advocating the elimination of the Welsh language, what I am questioning is the spending of the eight million pounds on the SSP that could be used to better purpose in Welsh education. Mr. Preston's disparaging remarks about relics of a bygone age will not earn him many friends; he should be reminded that us oldies can still carry a heavy punch into the polling booths. He should also be made aware of the fact that many people of my generation and those before were not given the chance of enjoying old age. They lay lonely, in foreign fields, jungles and deserts, so ensuring that he can write his piece in this newspaper and put his point of view without the fear of having a visit from some nasty people in the early hours. As Clr. Preston seems to be a little short on history, I recommend that he obtains a copy of a History of Modern Wales by David Williams, D. Litt.O 7195 3358. It may enlighten him as to the past and future of this country. I will not write anything more on this issue, but I hope more people will find time to join Ivor Jenkins in his quest for a referendum on the SSP.

Eddie Stapleton,

Tenby.