I MUST immediately book a holiday from September 24 to October 2, in order to escape Sue Lister's proposed Over 50s York Festival and International Older Person's Day (April 28).

I shudder at the spotlight to be put on we older people in York, although pleased that the bash includes heterosexuals not just "the grey and gay" but "fully inclusive and open to all".

The rest of us are too busy doing our own thing to be herded together with other old farts and organised by academics and do-gooders who know what's best for us.

Leave us alone dear, a festival would leave little time for Tiffin and afternoon naps.

Pam Egan,

The White House,

North Lane,

Malton Road,

York.

Updated: 10:47 Thursday, May 05, 2005