I REFER to the article relating to Imber in the Wiltshire Times on May 28.

As chairman of the Friends of Imber Church I feel that I must clarify the promise made by Artangel to make a financial donation to the Friends.

A representative of Artangel, Helen Marriage, visited my home to discuss their plans for the event with my wife and myself. She accepted our hospitality which included a glass of wine before giving us a verbal promise that Artangel would make a financial contribution to the Friends of Imber Church.

Without the help of the Friends, Artangel would have found it fairly difficult to organise and film their event in the village, but more especially in St Giles Church, Imber. The Friends were always available to help and in fact they were always at Imber to open and close the church doors.

We heard nothing from Artangel and it wasn't until I contacted them to remind them of the promise made that I was informed of their decision not to honour the promise made by Mrs Marriage.

Their reasoning for the broken promise is that we were not a registered charity. That is true. However, we were advised by the Charity Commission that owing to the level of funds in our bank account there was no need to register. I informed Artangel of the facts but of course they would not budge.

The Friends of Imber Church feel let down by Artangel especially Mrs Marriage. They cannot deny facts and the truth but of course they will never admit they are wrong.

I wonder why they didn't show the public debate filmed in the church by them?

Perhaps they didn't want the public to realise just how strong the feelings are towards the church's protection.

Instead Artangel chose to be selective in what they broadcasted, showing only, for the majority of the film, just how great the MoD are and how marvellous the music event was.

Many of us disagree with the contents of the film, feeling that St Giles Church and Imber was used as a backdrop for Artangel to make money.

The Friends of Imber Church were let down by Artangel, but of course they can hide behind their broken promise, which will never be forgotten by those of us who know the truth.

JOHN SYME

Chairman

Friends of Imber Church