We are told that Marks & Spencer is experiencing worrying trading figures, and, my word, aren't the media singling them out and making a meal of it!

It's the usual 'kick a man when he's down' attitude. Well, I feel we should remember all the good things about this excellent organisation: high and exacting standards of textiles and foodstuffs maintained throughout the years; continued expansion and growth providing much needed jobs; high levels of staff training ably reflected in attitude and courtesy to customers and let us not forget their sponsorship of the arts.

The York stores are a credit to all concerned. Where would we be without their city centre food hall, which provides a clean and pleasant environment with an amazing variety of top class foods? I speak as a lifelong, loyal devotee and proud to be so!

Elizabeth M Harris,

Kirkwell,

Bishopthorpe,

York.

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