I was very sorry to read reference in the "Feedback" column (The Argus, September 21) to a letter from "The inmates of Lions Dene" which had been critical of an article written by Adam Trimingham.

It is distressing that hurt should have been felt when no hurt was intended. For this totally unintentional affront, I apologise, because I am sure neither Mr Trimingham nor the members of the Brighton Lions Club would intentionally insult or affront anyone living at Lions Dene.

In addition to my apology, I would like to thank Mr Trimingham for a well-balanced and informative article that needed all his journalistic skills to condense 50 years of service to the local community by the Brighton Lions Club. This, I feel, is an opinion shared by many Brighton Lions Club members and their supporters.

I think it is important to point out that Mr Trimingham took a great deal of time and trouble to ensure the accuracy of his report. He visited Lions Dene, saw for himself the accommodation, secretarial, pastoral, caretaking and medical care provided, discussed the history of Lions International and Brighton Lions Club with the Club Secretary and Club Archivist and spent time studying the club archives. He was prepared to devote a morning to such reseach.

-J C Bristow, Club Archivist, Lions Club, Friar Road, Brighton