probably one of the finest programmes the BBC has produced is the Antiques Roadshow.

It is admirably presented by Michael Aspel with charm and wit, together with a team of characters offering their expertise with often intriguing information regarding those items that often delights the exhibitor and the TV viewer alike.

As an ardent viewer of this programme it is very noticeable that so many of those exhibits presented were 'Made in England'.

It is a sad reflection that this once great country now produces or manufactures so little of anything of aesthetic or commercial significance, and can only reflect on its past glory with an obsession with heritage and industrial museums.

As a child (many years ago) I can well remember my father reluctant to buy anything that did not proudly carry the hallmark 'Made in England'.

Some of the finest ships afloat during that era were built in the UK. The yards that built them have in the main gone, together with the skills that built them.

There were several aircraft firms too that could compete with any in the world, including the USA. That industry is now a mere fraction of what it was and has to be grateful for a contract to produce parts for some foreign aircraft firm.

G HUMPHREYS

Purton