ONE of the great joys of retiring from teaching, other than having my evenings and weekends free, is that of being able to take holidays when I wish.

I can now take advantage of bargains and late deals.

When booking a holiday there is no need to refer to the school holiday list, just look at the holiday brochure prices. When they shoot up, that's when the schools close. I enjoy taking my grandchildren on holiday so am still caught in the school holiday trap at times.

Ironically, I had just booked a holiday for grandchildren when I read Liz Edge's letter (February 25) and no, I didn't like having to pay more.

Staggering school holidays might thwart the tour companies, but would cause inconvenience to families and friends who might wish to holiday together but who live in different areas.

May I suggest that if the Government brings in legislation to fine parents who take children on holiday during term time, it also makes it illegal to hike up holiday prices as soon as schools close? If parents are to be penalised, so then should those whose coffers benefit from this iniquitous practice.

Kathleen Lovatt,

Church Court,

Saxton, Tadcaster.

...I FULLY support Liz Edge's comments on holidays for children in school and parents on limited income.

At present children can be taken out of school for the "annual family holiday" within term time, allowing some families to escape the price hike as soon as term finishes, but what about young teachers with families? They have no such choice.

Have you ever wondered why most teachers spend their summers camping in France? It's not because they want to speak French.

Anita Carr,

Avon Drive,

Huntington,

York.

Updated: 11:28 Tuesday, March 04, 2003