ONCE again, Aled Jones shows just how in touch he is with the man on the street (Let’s slay George, Readers Letters, March 24).

He’ll have us believe that the whole nation is sitting at home preparing for the Festival Of St George. Is it really a year ago since the last one?

All that expense, the greetings cards to write, the presents to wrap, the fireworks, balloons and streamers to buy. The street parties to attend. All the excesses, the alcohol, the traditional family get-together, the arguments over the roast dinner. The traditional St George disco to go to, the annual games that we have to take part in, the dragon boat race to organise.

The traditional decorative lights that need to come out of the attic, the wasted days organising social events, the office party, the endless queues at the supermarket, another day off work, the cost. And what for?

Is there any wonder that Aled is absolutely dreading it.

I’ll be glad when it’s all over and I can sit back on my sofa to watch a repeat of Dr Who.

Gary Flakes
St Swithin’s Walk, Holgate, York.