JACK Webster's column (May 4) recollects the Empire Exhibition of 1938 for an older generation, an occasion which I dimly remember as spectacular and exciting. I do, however, recall a more recent memorable experience of 10 years ago, a day out of this world, within the memory of many people - yes, the Glasgow Garden Festival.

For my generation and for much younger folk this event lives on as the most momentous event ever to experience and I can still feel the warmth of goodwill and friendliness among good-natured crowds of people of all ages.

We wandered happily for hours among hosts of flowers, plants, meadow areas, and exhibits seldom seen by city folk. We remember the organised, and the spontaneous, entertainment of stilt walkers, clowns, and the ingenious street entertainers whose antics kept us amused.

The promise of regeneration of the festival site has been disappointing and I feel sure that many people regret that the exhibition was not maintained as a permanent experience. The emotion of the final evening lives in my memory as a few tears were shed and strangers linked arms in sadness but with happy memories.

James Muir,

108 Hillview Drive, Clarkston. May 6.