IN her Christmas message this year the Queen encouraged us all to be more reflective. This same theme was echoed in the 'Reflections' column in the Times on December 26, where Mrs Rachel Chamness asked the question 'Wouldn't it be great if Okehampton could shine out as one of the great Christian towns in our country?'

Looking back to another Christmas broadcast in 1939, it is on record that King George VI quoted these words: 'And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year: Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown' — the quotation goes on to suggest where that light may be found.

January 18 marks the start of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Certainly we are spoilt for choice when it comes to church buildings in Okehampton. There are more centres for worship than there are pubs! All these express themselves in different styles but the chapel of St James stands out as neutral ground for all where the sense of peace can be almost tangible. Just take a look at the comments in the visitors' book.

Perhaps we can make a start, just there, right in the centre of town.

V A Cushing

Okehampton