In Mike Laycock's article about the Minster's refusal to allow the African Children's Choir to perform a second song, (November 24) it was explained that one reason for this was that prayers were about to begin.

I believe prayers are often led by one of the nuns from the nearby Sister's House. At least four of these women are ex-headmistresses and any one of them could have risen to the occasion by letting the children's choir introduce the prayers, then (throwing aside her script) giving thanks to God for the well-honed skill that this bunch of healthy youngsters had to offer.

So many images of African youth present us with only poverty and starvation.

It is on children like these young singers that a brighter future for Africa depends.

How sad the Minster's bureaucracy prevented a celebration of the hope these children represent.

Mary Machen,

St John's Crescent,

York.

...TWO weekends ago my husband and I visited Huddersfield and at one stage found ourselves outside the Town Hall. Curious to see its interior, and its doors being open, we went inside.

The place was buzzing with people, a concert was just about to begin. Tickets were free and there were still a few left.

Five minutes later we were in our seats and the African Children's Choir filed on to the stage.

Then began a sensational performance.

We shall never forget the singing, dancing and drumming of those 20 young Ugandans.

Knowing their background - orphaned by war, poverty and disease - gave added poignancy to their joyful exuberance.

After an hour and a half they received a standing ovation.

Imagine then, how shocked I was to read the headline in the Evening Press (November 24), You Can't Sing Here.

The chance to hear their spontaneous, unaccompanied singing should have been recognised as a privilege by Minster staff, when it was clearly an inspiration to those visitors who were listening.

To refuse a second song was in complete contradiction to the choir's simple message of peace, hope and love.

May the warm welcome they have received in schools, churches and concert halls throughout Yorkshire help to quickly dispel this shameful memory of York.

Barbara Edwards,

Bramley Garth,

York.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.