Martin Johnes, the author of Christmas and the British: A Modern History, and John Mullan, who reviewed it (10 December), need to do their homework: far from the circuits of local bands and musicians dying out in the late 20th century, this tradition thrives in Dorset.
I sang carols in Hardy’s birthplace last Christmas, took part in Going the Rounds through Bockhampton and Stinsford only last year, and regularly sing out with the Ridgeway Singers and Band. Thanks to the tireless energies of Furse Swann, Tim Laycock and Phil Humphries, the Hardy Society, New Hardy Players and the Artsreach rural touring organisation, traditional entertainment is alive, kicking and magical here at this time of year, and well supported by the public.
Debbie Coombes
Dorchester
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