THE failure of the Minster Bells Queen Mother Appeal to hit its target certainly does not reflect antipathy to the royal centenarian: the celebrations for her 100th birthday proved she is still held in great affection.

It does suggest, however, that many people felt there were other more worthy causes for their support. North Yorkshire vicar the Rev Dr John Roden forcefully expressed this opinion in an uncompromising letter to the Evening Press. He drew criticism at the time, but now it seems many silently agreed with him.

Nevertheless, the outcome is a happy one. York Minster has finally got its quarter chimes and they will ring out long after this fuss is forgotten.