I was sorry to read in the Hampshire Chronicle on March 31 that the Winchester Cathedral Market will, sadly, return without the ice rink again this year.

Whilst the Christmas Market attracts visitors to Winchester and offers all sorts of beautifully hand-crafted gift options for those who can afford to buy them, the skating rink had a broad appeal to local residents, particularly young people and families.

READ MORE: Winchester Cathedral Christmas market to return this year without the ice rink

Is this an example of Covid acting as a catalyst for the demise of an enjoyable, sociable and healthy pastime albeit perhaps not the most lucrative use of the space?

I can’t help wondering about representation on the committee which made decisions on how best to use the cathedral’s space at Christmas and what criteria was used when making judgements.

Celia Parkes

Duke Street, Micheldever,

Winchester