It was amazing to read Reg Wilson's letter (September 24) as I, too, was a member of the Sonja Henie tour in 1953 and it was just as Reg describes.

The company was on the first train that the Russians allowed to use their sector after the war and we were heavily guarded.

On the opening night in Oslo, Sonja was most unusually nervous as she was totally unsure about the reception she would receive.

In the event it was rapturous, with thousands of the audience lighting matches to welcome her onto the ice.

We professional skaters all owe Sonja a great deal, as she pioneered ice shows (and her costumes have seldom been surpassed since).

As a tribute to her I am sponsoring the screening of one of her Hollywood feature films, Sun Valley Serenade, in the Purbeck (Bournemouth) Film Festival on October 25.

This will be in the Rex Cinema in Wareham which has been preserved in its 1940s state and the film will be seen as it was shown there in 1941 or thereabouts.

Some 60 or more ex-skaters, including ex-world champions, will be all there to pay tribute to the legendary star.

I hope that Reg, who I remember well, will join us.

-Joyce Whitney (Brooks), Seaford