Sir.-Regarding The Gazette's report and pictures from the Remembrance Day silence in Basingstoke's shopping centre.

Being an old soldier, I thought the right place to be on the 11th of the 11th was the War Memorial in the park, for the short service of remembrance for those who lost their lives for this country.

There were a few more old soldiers there, as well as the mayor and a few councillors. There was also a lone bugler.

I was not impressed.

After the short service, I walked back through the town, where the Old Basing Corps of Drums was playing to quite a crowd of people and the turnout was very good.

Why couldn't some of the buglers from this group have played at the War Memorial? It is a military affair, after all.

Their parents must be very proud. They were a credit to Old Basing and the older members who teach them.

Well done and let's hear more from you - the town centre needs you.

-R D Mayoh,
Norden Close,
Basingstoke.