Sir, I am concerned that traditions in Ambleside are being dropped. The Rushbearing Sports were cancelled and unlike previous years not put forward to another day. There are much fewer "heats" at the Ambleside Sports now, only finals not enough entrants?

We talk about loss of community spirit, although some groups work hard at this e.g. providing the lights in the town. We worry about the lack of exercise and interest taken by today's young people but do little to encourage it.

We have the facilities, Rugby Club, Football Club, Cricket Club, tennis courts, sports field for the school, which would be the envy of many a bigger town than Ambleside.

Regarding the Ambleside Sports, why can't they move forward and include other country pursuits such as clay pigeon shooting and archery to add to the more traditional wrestling, fell running and hound trails? The Olympic Games have done just that, increasing the number of sports to reflect today's sports and they have been in existence far longer than Ambleside Sports.

We are fortunate for our children to be able to grow up in such an outstanding area with such excellent facilities. Are we too complacent? Time we did something about this? I think so.

M.C. Ross Ambleside