ON an early October night at Gigg Lane, under the floodlights, you don't have to be a football lover to get your money's worth.

Before the kick-off, the lights shine down on the emerald green of the grass; poets reach for their pens; artists think wistfully of their brushes and palettes. The aesthetic Bury supporters sit in silent contemplation of what is to come.

The big moment arrives, the sound that brings a lump to the throat, a marked increase in the heartbeat. A fanfare of trumpets is followed by a stentorian voice announcing the opposing team and then, wait for it, the voice expands in volume to herald "The Mighty Shakers". Hundreds of devotees leap to their feet in acknowledgement of the mighty ones who, in their turn, respond by clapping their hands above their heads.

Yes, this is living theatre indeed. Never mind about the football.

And no one can accuse the powers-that-be at Gigg Lane of being insensitive to the needs of their faithful followers. At half-time, forget about the football, the illuminated notice board announces forthcoming events. And then it appears in flashing numbers, for the benefit of the fans, the telephone number of . . . The Samaritans!

See you at Gigg Lane. Forget about the football.

RON STANDRING,

Chatsworth Grove,

Little Lever.