YESTERDAY Once More reminded me of the excitement the coming of television had provided (October 15). The 1940s had been a decade of war and privation. Rationing and identity cards were still around. Fuel crises and power cuts were the norm. Although York was flooded (again) there was an official two inch depth of water in a bathtub.

The Fifties brought a new hope.

First, the Festival of Britain showed that designs could be modern and not just nostalgic pre-war copies.

Secondly, during that summer, test transmissions started from Holme Moss. Lewis's emporium in Leeds became more magical with television sets showing the BBC demonstration film daily. Even test card C was as impressive as it was necessary because of the unstable electronic components.

I have a painting of King's Square showing a York Festival street play with Cussins & Light's (now Boots) window displaying TV sets.

Then, as now, Petergate was crowded with pedestrians. There is one major change though. Then, I squinted at 405 lines on faces on a TV screen.

Now, I squint at 405 lines on my face in the mirror.

C'est la (T) vie.

Annie Wright,

Love Lane,

Birmingham.

Updated: 09:29 Saturday, October 27, 2001