MADAM, –

Re: the article in The Sentinel about the Bird In Hand in Hilderstone.

My grandfather, Fred Middleton, and uncle, Joe Middleton, along with my father, Arthur Fairbanks, all used to drink at the Bird In Hand.

My grandfather and uncle visited there every night for a pint or two.

They have all passed away now, but I don't think they would have missed a night for anything.

I can vaguely remember the hunt.

We used to go to see them turn out and what a sight it was.

I suppose we didn't appreciate what a special thing it was then.

I also faintly remember Gerald Aynsley of the Aynsley pottery firm being with the hunt.

He lived at Spot Farm, Hilderstone.

I also remember Mary Shelley and her husband Tom at the pub.

My sister-in-law worked at the Bird after the Shelleys died, just before it closed.

JOYCE MOSELEY

Weston Coyney