IT is indeed welcome news that we can hear Archbishop Desmond Tutu at this year’s Hay Festival.

Your report could have mentioned a third Nobel Peace Laureate who spoke in Hay, following her Nobel Peace award in 2004. Professor Wangari Maathi of Kenya, who founded her Green Belt Movement, initially as a response to the plight of fellow members of Kenya’s National Council of Women, expanded her tree planting programme and became a passionate advocate, working in Africa and beyond to further good governance, environmental sustainability and peace. She sees these as inextricably linked.

In a packed marquee, her memorable speech was followed by a standing ovation.

GWENDA NICHOLAS, Chair, Hereford branch, National Council of Women, Tram Inn, Hereford.