IN response to Natalie Chatterton's remarks (Letters, October 16) where she suggested the Church should embrace Hallowe'en and accused the average Christian of being narrow- minded, I, too, was at the church playgroup where she asked whether they were doing anything for Hallowe'en.

Unlike Mrs Chatterton, I did not expect the church to be celebrating this event and, therefore, listened with interest to the playgroup leader's reply. This was that we could not have an event on church premises -- it would be too disrespectful -- but she agreed that it would be nice to do something for the little ones. After all, we are only talking about two and three-year-olds here.

The leader inquired if any others were interested and immediately got on the phone and arranged a fancy dress event at a local community centre

I was therefore astounded when I read Mrs Chatterton's complaints. The playgroup leaders had gone out of their way to please her. The children have been making black cats, pumpkins, and witches hats at the playgroup, on church premises, ready for their party.

The playgroup leaders go out of their way, in their own time, to provide a place where little children can come and play together and if Mrs Chatterton's is quite happy to let her daughter attend, surely she could give the church and the playgroup leaders the respect that they deserve.

Name and address received.