Madam, As Arena Director for Diamond Day on 11th July for the visit to Herefordshire of HM the Queen and HRH Prince Philip, it is impossible for me to contact every individual involved in the day's entertainment at King George V playing field, so I'd like to thank them by means of this letter.

When the organising committee asked for performing groups to get in touch, we were confident there would be a good response. All the same, we had no idea how much real talent we'd be shown, and how much commitment would be willingly made by each and every performer in working out special routines and coming to frequent and lengthy rehearsals.

What you collectively achieved expressed the individuality and originality of Herefordshire and its people. Watching the Royal couple's faces as we performed our Royal Serenade for them, I saw more than polite interest - I believe they also showed surprise and pleasure.

We'll never know, of course, but it is pleasant to imagine the Queen and Prince Philip looking back at the end of their Jubilee year tour of the realm and saying to one another, "I enjoyed Herefordshire the best - they did something different!"

Well done, everyone, and thank you.

Chris Barltrop