From R Churchill Blackie, chairman, Eisteddfod Executive Council.
A PHRASE used by one of the sponsors of the Jersey Eisteddfod, Deutsche Bank, is: ‘A passion to perform’.

I am encouraged to see that it is not only our sponsors who harbour such passions, for I am at one with your correspondent, Christopher Davey, in his campaign against the idiocies of political correctness (JEP, 1 December). However, on this occasion, I am happy to calm his fears.

The withholding of the marks of the winners of certain classes in our Autumn Festival is not an example of the Jersey Eisteddfod protecting the sensibilities of its competitors. The practice goes back many years and has nothing to do with subterfuge or softening the blow for the other contestants.

In the English Speech and Drama Section, there are a number of trophies for which competitors in different age ranges compete. By tradition, the marks achieved by the winners of the individual classes are only revealed when the overall winner is chosen at the Gala Evening that brings the English Speech and Drama week to a close.

Indeed, all class winners performing at the Gala are also in competition for the overall Junior and Senior Eisteddfod Awards.

A wider audience then has the chance to see those winners perform and, at the end of the evening, receive their awards. I hope this allays Mr Davey’s fears.