I sent a letter to our local newspaper this time last year suggesting that we adopt St George for a national holiday in England. The response? Lacklustre and negative.

It seems there are all sort of historical and political objections - in other words - don't bother. And alternatives to St George fared no better under scrutiny.

A year (almost) on and I think St George is our only bet. If we don't back St George as the basis of an English equivalent to St Patricks Day or Burns Night, then we have will nothing; and English people will continue the road to becoming sad second hand Americans.

Let's underline that there's nothing wrong with being the real thing, but English people aping Americans - is really pathetic.

Ian Fyvie