SOME years ago I was visiting an African friend in a remote village in the far south of Malawi where family planning was forbidden and, despite their best efforts food was short, disease rife and early death a common event, especially in children under five years old.

I crossed the border into Mozambique and was horrified to see mountains of goods, donated by a national organization, based in UK, piled high in locked compounds guarded by armed soldiers!

The poor, starving, penniless people outside had no access to relief unless they paid huge sums as bribes!

It was heartbreaking and made me angry, particularly when I was threatened with real menace when I tried to intervene!

No doubt there are charities who function more effectively, but I remain disillusioned and cautious, all the more so in light of recent, well-documented events.

I am particularly irritated by constant bombardments through the mail with "free" gifts and begging letters on expensive stationery, probably sent from a posh office!

For my part, I support our local shops, trades and services at every opportunity, and contribute to local causes, thereby, if only in a small way, directly adding to the local economy, employment and well-being. It would make a huge difference to our town if more did the same! After all, charity begins at home.

Jennifer Kendrick.

Upper Poole Road

Dursley