HOW very disappointing that there were no Union Flags flying to mark the occasion of the 200th anniversary of the creation of our country in the town centre other than the national pennants outside the White Hart Hotel.
It is accepted that we are ruled by a Government that does not care about such things as national emblems but they have not yet passed legislation banning the flying of our recognised standard.
We should be proud of our history and this continual denial of the enormous part that we have played should never be overlooked or allowed to be forgotten.
Bit by bit we are doing the bidding of that un-elected commission on the other side of the English Channel but it is still possible to rescue some semblance of pride in our heritage and we should make sure we use the opportunities.
The excuse given by Downing Street was that they did not want to upset the 'partners' by a demonstration of xenophobia but can you imagine St Patrick's Day being cancelled in Ireland or Bastille Day in France?
Of course you can't, and neither country would even dream of it either and nor would it be expected.
St George's Day represents the occasion when next we can show some 'Dunkirk' spirit and there will be a breakfast to celebrate the day at the Plume of Feathers in Okehampton and the date if you do not know is Monday, April 23.
Make a note of the date and nearer the date reserve your meal and enjoy at the same time Local Food produced in this area.
Derek Godfrey-Brown
Larkbeare
Okehampton