I HAVE never been an admirer of the York-born poet W H Auden or of his poetry.

Nevertheless, I read with interest Gavin Aitchison's excellent report on the forthcoming special public event to celebrate the centenary of the poet's birth (Martinis all round will mark birth of renowned poet, The Press, January 19).

What I would wish to know, however, is why did Auden remove himself to the United States in 1939, the year our country declared war on Germany? I am mindful of the fact Auden was not over the age of conscription in Britain in 1939.

Of course, there may have been valid reasons for Auden's "one-way flight-ticket" to the USA at the start of the Second World War. If so, what were those reasons?

A suitable topic to be discussed, if debated during the Auden public centenary celebrations to be held in Bootham School hall, on February 21.

Don't bet on it. Philip Thake, of York Conservation Trust, stated Auden was not a Shakespeare, and neither was he a hero in my book.

Ida Mary Goodrick, Woodlands Avenue, Tadcaster.