Madam,

I refer to the article on the front page of the Cambrian News (‘No regrets over royal protest that made history’, last week). I read with disgust that Iestyn Evans was proud to be part of the anti-royalist protest. Does Iestyn realise now, in his position of landlord of the Llew Du public house in Bridge Street, that Aberystwyth had applied on two occasions for a city status and was refused owing to this anti-royalist exhibition in 1996?

I ran the Black Orchid florist shop at the time of the Queen’s visit in 1996 and was so proud to have the opportunity of having the contract to provide the flowers for the National Library, Territorial Army Centre and for the Queen’s posies, etc. When you’ve had your own business in the town, and been the mayor of this beautiful town, like I have, I feel it is a shame that this town lost its respect because of these protesters, who do not appreciate a good town which could have been on the map as the city of Aberystwyth, which would bring more capital to the town and its businesses.What a shame.

Yours etc

John James

Past Mayor of Aberystwyth

2003-05.