IT is amazing how our attitude to wedding gifts has changed (Jo Haywood, May 20).

I was pleased to receive (in the Fifties) a set of soup or fruit spoons or a box of tea knives from struggling, but apparently happy, guests.

Before adjusting my rose-tinted glasses, waxing lyrical - and sanctimonious - about the 'good old days' I'll think of my terrific, forward-looking grandma, who, although cheerful and an inspiration, had many difficulties with which to contend.

I should love a history of wedding gifts and to discover what people gave in grandma's day.

Margaret Lawson,

Aldborough House,

The Groves, York.

Updated: 09:01 Saturday, May 24, 2003