IN connection with the photograph and caption in our last issue 'Christmas tradition continues without Bude Mayor,' we would like to point out that the bulk of the wording was contributed by Cllr Nathan Bale and apologise for not making this clear and giving the Mayor (Cllr Peter La Broy) the opportunity to comment. The Mayor now writes: "I was surprised and disappointed to read the very negative piece of writing in the last edition of the 'Post.' To put the record straight, Mr Bale failed to make contact with me until December 23. By this point, I had already committed myself to Bude Surf Life Saving Club's charity fundraising Christmas Day swim.

"Unfortunately, I cannot be in two places at one time, so continued with my initial arrangement. If I have let any residents or staff of Eventide, St Hilary's and Stratton Hospital down, then I offer my sincere ­apologies."