I READ with interest your front page story of March 30 concerning the De Tabley and its marquee.

As a family we had booked our daughter Caroline's 21st birthday party on the strength of the new marquee being put up.

We were told at very, very short notice (one week) that we would not be able to use it on the night for the reasons stated in your lead article.

However, I would like to report that whatever the difficulties this presented to the De Tabley they provided us with an absolutely stunning party on the same night using the 'old' function room in the main building.

Everything was perfect: the bar staff, the restaurant staff, the meal, the room, the decorations, the lot!

Despite their obvious difficulties with the marquee this local, picturesque venue deserves to be supported by the public as they really did excel themselvesto make our party perfect.

Well done, the De Tabley!

ROGER and BARBARA SHUTTLEWORTH, Higham Hall Road, Higham, Burnley.