Dear Barbara,

Now keep this to yourself but I work in the English Consulate in Florence and it has come to my notice that there has been a complaint lodged about a Male Voice Choir whose members were seen running about in their black underwear just before an important recital.

I release that your stout hearted men had their hands full, worrying about the words to Myfanwy ( who would know they were wrong anyway?) but I would welcome your advice.

After all your Government has enough to worry about what with the price of petrol and Johnathan Ross.

A well-wisher

My Dear Sir .

May I thank you for the opportunity of addressing the delicate issue of our members in their underpants. I am told that they were about to sing in an ancient Church and were changing  from their casual clothes - many by courtesy of Oxfam and the Red Cross Society. 

Due to the very small room allocated for changing, many found quiet sanctuary in the choir stalls - where it is possible that the more observant onlookers may have had sightings of Primark black boxer shorts ( buy one get on free).

In fact it was noticed that one petite blond Italian lady kept looking round and murmuring "Mama Mia", while giving a brief history of the choir to some early bystanders.

I do hope this solves the issue our magnificent men who, quite frankly, would have found it difficult to give of their best to such numbers as "You Raise Me Up" and "The Kings of Swing" ( even if they knew the words ) without their Hi DI Hi jackets and trousers.

Yours very truly

...............and are there any cut price deals still available

Barbara