THE letter from Cllr Anne Filer (Echo 20/3/15) spoke of the youngsters of today, like my children and especially my grandchildren, having greater opportunities than I did when I was small in the 50s.

I too have lived all my life in Bournemouth and would suggest a couple of differences between us as youngsters and those of the present day might be imagination and adventure?

We didn’t have the computerised hi-tech gadgets like mobile computers/phones to immerse ourselves into, we used what was in our imagination.

We would explore local common land in search of lost kingdoms, play ‘Cowboys and Indians’ from dawn to dusk free from accusations of being non-PC.

I might have shot a few with my imaginary gun and they dutifully fell on the spot but would be branded a cheat if they did not.

The adventure of climbing a big tree without being grounded due to Health and Safety.

True, there was the occasional grazed knee, cut leg or bruised forehead but plasters and ointments were applied and off we went again.

All this done mostly within walking distance from home and blissfully unconcerned parents.

Unfortunately all this is a far cry from modern life with its suspicions and personal perils.

Kids have so much more provided for them these days and the best facilities usually come at a cost such as with swimming pools, zip wires and aquariums.

D FOSTER, Copythorne Close, Bournemouth