SIR, On behalf of the village of Llandogo I would like to thank Andrew Blake and his team at the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty for all their help and support in organising the community picnic and Flame and Fire Spectacular on our riverbanks on Sunday 11th May. It has been a truly extraordinary experience for all of us taking part in the hugely successful Wye Valley River Festival which was held along the Wye for the first time this year. A generation of local children will grow up remembering the mesmerising effect of Christopher Bull crossing the Wye on his elegant high wire. The huge torch procession walking down to the river, where hundreds of lanterns illuminated the night, will not be forgotten. This whole event was only made possible thanks to the kind generosity of the local landowners and the creative collaboration of numerous, talented local performers and musicians. A great many local organisations were involved and our arts centre and art gallery opened their studios. We also had the help of a small group of very hardworking volunteers. Although it was all over in a day, the effect on our village will be far reaching. For us, the picnic is not the end of a process but rather the start. I believe that we look at the landscape slightly differently now. We have all made new friends and see new possibilities. This will be the real legacy of the festival - new conversations begun and a new pride in this spectacular Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Thank you so much to all those who contributed and took part. It was, without question, truly outstanding. Winifred Baker (The Old Ship)