OVER the course of the bank holiday with my family, we attended an international football competition in Carterton. The tournament was very well run and new friendships were forged on the football pitch.

What I enjoyed was like taking a step back in time, and no, I am not an oldie. The friendliness of this Oxfordshire town's folk was really nice. Everyone spoke to us sitting on our park bench watching the proceedings.

Why has Swindon lost this common courtesy? My mum often tells the story of how her parents knew just about everyone while Saturday shopping. Could it be this town has become too big, or people's lives are dictated by capitalism and we haven't the time for socialising? Or has the fear of crime displatched us from one of life's pleasures?

Trevor Wilson

Langford Grove

Swindon