TIMES are hard for everyone at the moment, with the credit crunch and money and job shortages.

But on a brighter note, Easter is here, with warmer spring days and the York city walls are adorable with the daffodils. They lift your spirits, even on a dull day.

On March 29, in Parliament Street, we heard some wonderful songs being sung by an elderly chap, and his companion was playing a banjo or ukulele, in aid of Macmillan nurses.

Everyone was very happy and singing along with the couple, who knew all the old songs. They were very good indeed.

Finally, we would love to thank all the students from the Rosemary House Quad who live in Navigation Road, who last September planted daffodils along the grassed area of Navigation Road. The flowers are beautiful. The students are from York St John University student union. We are pleased to have them as residents in our area.

Finally we wish everyone a peaceful Easter blessing.

Mr and Mrs Pettitt, Rosemary Place, York.


* At this time of economic doom and gloom, it has been lovely to see the daffodils flowering in the verges and gardens. I would like to say thank you to all those who have taken the trouble to plant them. They have made the world a more cheerful place.

Daphne Stead, Low Hutton Park, Huttons Ambo, Malton.