The Editor, Sir:

It was with great interest that I read your 'Letter of the Day' on Thursday, May 24, regarding substandard candles.

I am pleased to know that I am not the only person to suffer with this problem; and living in a wood-built house, I take fire risks as a matter of great concern.

I found this type of candle to be (potentially) so dangerous, that I melted down the whole pack, and made my own (safe) candles from the wax.

I now buy blocks of candle wax, and make all my own candles.

Melt the wax, and pour into a wide-topped, glass bottle, or shallow, empty tin can: twist a couple of the wicks together, and tie through a hole made in, for example, an old beer bottle top (so that the wick sinks to the bottom of the wax).

When using a block of wax, any natural fibre, string will work: plastic-based string will not work.

Due to the natural shrinkage of the wax as it cools, and solidifies, it may be necessary to 'top up'the container, to get an even, flat, top surface, in the container.

There is a 'safe' candle. But NEVER use plastic containers; they will melt, and possibly catch afire.

Without the loss of the melted wax running down the side of the candle, they last much longer and, by placing a piece of aluminium foil as a reflector, a few inches behind the candle, increases the light, in the required direction, considerably: safer and more efficient candles!

Aluminium foil reflectors, also work very well with kero-sene lamps, but must be placed outside the glass 'chimney'.

For added safety, I always put any lighted candles, or kerosene lamps, on a (non-combustible ) dinner plate, or metal dish, and have a fire extinguisher handy.

I am, etc.,

ROBIN PLOUGH.

robin.plough@gmail.com

Silver Hill Gap

c/o Meadowbridge PO

Portland