AFTER reading the letter from Lucy Goldsmith in last week’s Guardian, I felt moved to give thanks to all those who work so hard and for no monetary reward in organising the Knutsford Royal May Day.

I feel they are the unsung heroes of the town and have to work so very hard in organising the annual May Day.

Although I have sympathy with Lucy Goldsmith when she shared her concerns regarding her daughter’s experience in the selection of the court characters.

I do have my own concerns about Ms Goldsmith’s comment when she says that we should ‘move with the centuries’.

I fear that the ‘future’ of the May Day will have to change drastically as the high cost of insurance for the use of horses in the parade may mean we will only have motorised floats and a series of cars driving the May Queen and her entourage along the streets.

This then, would begin to look more like a carnival rather than a long-standing tradition that our town should be proud of.

Each year, the costs of producing the May Day parade increases, and it is possible that most people do not realise how much has to be paid out in road control, security, insurance and lots of other items, including the creation of more costumes.

Although the court characters have a restriction on numbers, every child who wishes to take part in the May Day parade is given a part to play, even if it means that a new costume is made for them.

No child is turned away.

Unless we, who enjoy watching the parade each year, are prepared to give some substantial contribution, I think we may soon not have a May Day at all.

Each year I watch the collection boxes walked alongside the crowds and very few people put money in.

Knutsford offers a wonderful traditional experience for locals and visitors alike for absolutely no charge.

Where else could we go out for a day for free?

I do appreciate that times have to change, but I also believe that we must truly appreciate what we have, otherwise we will lose it. If the people of this town wish the May Day to continue, then surely help must be given to keep it as near to its tradition as possible.

We must all move with the times to some degree or other, but we must also value the precious things of the past.

Rev Jean Bradley Knutsford