I know it is supposed to be the season of goodwill but I am struggling to extend such sentiments to the mother and child whose selfish behaviour spoilt a pre-Christmas carol concert.

The Sussex Beacon's annual service of carols and readings held at St Nicholas's Church, Brighton, on Monday evening is an event many of us look forward to.

Intimate yet informal and, by the very nature of the Beacon's work, inevitably tinged with poignancy, the service provides an opportunity for quiet reflection.

But the peaceful ambience was marred by a woman arriving late.

Rather ironically, as the last strains of the excellent choir singing Silent Night died away, she thumped though the door complete with child and pushchair.

Seemingly oblivious to the hushed atmosphere of the church and the respect live performers deserve to be shown, she waddled down the aisle, found a seat directly behind me and immediately began chattering to the child while taking off its coat.

As the choir embarked on a soothing lullaby, the woman seemed to think this was the ideal moment to allow her child to wander around shrieking and stamping its feet. As I turned to remonstrate with her and inquire pointedly whether it was her intention that her son should disrupt the whole of the service, she replied it was his "right" to be there.

I am pleased to say I still remember the days when rights went hand-in-hand with responsibilities.

Now, sadly, it seems to be a one-way street. But even if we are just talking about rights, have we now reached the stage where Kid Culture in Britain has reached such suffocating proportions that the so-called "rights" of one three-year-old boy outweigh the wishes of 130 or so adults. And don't adults have rights as well?

Perhaps the woman's conscience finally got the better of her, as she left the service halfway through.

What worries me is that her selfish attitude has become so commonplace. It is the same as that which characterises those who bawl into mobile phones with a total disregard for others around them.

As New Year approaches, can I suggest a new resolution? That we all try to show a little bit more consideration towards others? Can you imagine the wonderful difference it would make?

-Peter Lilley, Salisbury Road, Hove