I WRITE with indignation after reading Roy Davies' remarks (Letters, June 7) regarding Darwen's Petticoat Lane Market.

I myself, with the help of a friend, had a stall at the event which raised £338 for a local football club (New Gardeners FC) and wish to point out that all our goods were new, hand-knitted over the past 12 months and all of the pies and cakes were baked on the previous day.

An awful lot of hard work went in to our stall and with the extra help from friends and family, we considered it to be a successful fund-raising event.

Imagine our horror at Mr Davies stating that the stalls were full of car boot sale rubbish.

For the last 10 years or so, we have always been grateful to the Rotary Club for organising this annual event and giving local charities the opportunity of raising much-needed revenue. In our case, this goes towards league fees, football kits and expenses incurred to enable local lads to enjoy a game of football on Saturday afternoons and Sunday mornings.

Instead of knocking the Rotary Club's attempts to help Darwen's local charity organisations, perhaps Mr Davies might like to put his frustrations into serving on a local organisation's committee.

My friend and I also serve as members of Darwen Gala Committee. We struggle to recruit new members every year but we always manage to stage this event, come what may.

I appeal to the Rotary Club not to be disheartened by one man's opinion and can assure them that they will have the support of true "Darreners," whatever the event or weather.

JUNE SHORROCK (Mrs), (Secretary, New Gardeners FC), Harwood Street, Darwen.

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