We all remember the big fanfare when Tesco came to Marlborough with all its big promises to support the local community. How things change, as my current experience demonstrates.

At the Kennet Valley Hall in Lockeridge, one of the annual fund-raising events is an Easter bingo community event. Last year the Tesco community champion Sarah Hart was very helpful and gave us a number of Easter eggs in support.

A request to support this year’s event on April 16 has been a very different story.

I wrote a very polite letter to Sarah’s successor on February 4, asking whether they would support us again. I gave my email address and telephone number but nothing happened.

On February 14 I sent the so-called community champion an email asking whether he had been able to consider my request – nothing!

On February 21 I sent a further email politely asking for any response so that I knew where I stood – nothing!

By this time I was feeling quite insulted by this lack of courtesy so I decided to write to the Tesco Marlborough store general manager drawing his attention to the lack of response. This I did on March 3 – no response.

Although almost too late to seek alternative sponsorship, I decided to write to Morrisons in Marlborough High Street.

Only two days later I received a personal phone call from a very courteous member of staff offering a contribution for the event.

Who’s the community champion now? Make up your own mind.

Brian Rayment, Lockeridge.