JOYCE Redfearn expressed surprise at a missed opportunity to publicise Alzheimer's Disease around the York release of the film Iris which portrays the decline into Alzheimer's of the writer Iris Murdoch (February 14).

Firstly, charity screenings, such as the one she mentioned in Bradford, were negotiated and planned in various parts of the country by our national office and there is a limit to how many events can be sustained for one film.

Secondly, the York branch, located "in the home of Dame Judi Dench", has been working for several weeks to build awareness and publicity around this film.

City Screen have been very helpful and co-operative in allowing our display board in the foyer for the screening of the film and also to collect money when we have volunteers available.

We have also widely advertised three organised trips to the film among local carers and our supporters, providing an opportunity to talk through the issues afterwards. We have a small, mainly part-time staff, with numerous other responsibilities and are highly dependent on our wonderful volunteers to help us promote awareness in this way.

The Evening Press has also been very supportive, in running an excellent feature about Jim Clunie, a local university professor who cared for his wife, to tie in with the film's release.

Iris is at City Screen until next Thursday: please take this opportunity to see our own local Oscar nominee and be inspired by the love story which transcends the ravages of Alzheimer's Disease.

Gill Myers,

Administrator,

The Alzheimer's Society,

York branch,

The Retreat, York.

...see the musical

I HAD to write to say how truly professional the York Light Opera Society performance of Scrooge was. I have seen many London shows and this was certainly as good. The acting, singing, choreography, costumes, and scenery were all superb. It's the last night tonight at York's Theatre Royal - don't miss it.

Sue Maskill,

St Paul's Terrace,

Holgate, York.

Updated: 11:56 Saturday, February 23, 2002