I READ the letter in the Evening Press which said nursing and residential homes are to be targeted for an entertainment licence (January 10).

It will cut out people like me who go into care homes every week to entertain. I am amazed it has come to this.

Elderly people have paid taxes all their working lives and now, in the twilight of their lives, they are going to be penalised if the care homes do not take up a licence, and I fear most will not. They have enough overheads as it is.

I go into care homes to entertain and I see the hard work and dedication that goes on.

Surely people who go into the homes and bring colour and sunshine with music and song can do only good. Everyone is entitled to quality of life. Besides nursing care, they need stimulation. To make this possible I find a song they remember can help them, when some do not even communicate in any other way.

In 2004, the Smile And A Song Trio won the York Community Pride Award for Charity Fundraisers of the Year, sponsored by the Evening Press and City of York Council. We raised some of our charity money from small donations from care homes. If we cannot go into these homes because of a licence, everyone loses.

Brenda Mackfall,

Hendwick Hall,

Scoreby, Gate Helmsley, York.

Updated: 10:13 Tuesday, January 17, 2006