Further to Mrs Wilcockson’s letter about New Year’s Eve in York and her disappointment (York’s New Year was damp squib, Letters, January 6).

Sadly, she has completely missed the point, and failed to understand the spontaneous nature of the gathering at midnight in York. It is not an organised activity, it is not council led, not planned in advance – it is simply a gathering of people who feel moved to join together and greet in the New Year in magnificent surroundings. It involves no cost, and the pleasure and joy of the activity is that it arises from individuals who choose to be together for a few minutes to greet the new year.

Perhaps the writer cannot cope with such a loose and ad-hoc arrangement, and her decision not to come to York again is no doubt the right one for her, as she clearly needs laid on entertainment and not the relaxed and friendly atmosphere that a New Year’s Eve in York has to offer.

Kevin Douglas, Lime Avenue, York.