ONE of York’s living legends, a former deputy features editor of the Yorkshire Evening Press and a namesake of mine, Ronald Willis, might find a smile upon reading the following quotation: “One should arrive at Castle Howard by helicopter to the music of Vivaldi. It calls for the grand gesture...”

It is the introduction to Ron’s portrait of Castle Howard and the first in his book, Yorkshire’s Historic Buildings (Robert Hale, 1975). Ron’s stylish prose is complemented with superb photographs taken by his wife, Thelma.

For me that introduction has been unforgettable – perhaps something to do with my birth being not far from Castle Howard.

Yet at the time of the book’s publication, Vivaldi was a mystery to me – one that I was reluctant to admit to, my scene then being more Top Of The Pops.

Only in the past decade or so have I become hooked on classical music – on Elgar, Britten, sopranos; the cello, piano, guitar and better late than never, Antonio Vivaldi.

Has anyone ever arrived at Castle Howard in the grand manner that Ron suggests? Easter Monday might be a good time.

Ron Willis, First Avenue, Mount Lawley, Perth, Western Australia.