Readers' letters

Political Comedy of errors

Back in the 1970s and 80s, we used to tune in to shows like Morecambe & Wise for our weekly entertainment.

In 2016, instead of sitting open-mouthed watching the latest antics of Michael Crawford, we now derive entertainment from the antics in the world of politics.

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I’m not a betting man, but if I had bet money back in January this year on the political comings and goings, I would now be sitting on some easy money from my investments at the bookies.

David Cameron and George Osborne (over Brexit) putting a grenade between their respective knees and pulling the pin.

Theresa May as PM, Boris Johnson as Foreign Secretary, Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, the two nominees in the US Presidential election, and Ed Balls on Strictly. Then there is the leader of Ukip resigning after 18 days. The England manager only lasting 67 days in his job. You get my drift. But what is more staggering are the daily goings-on with Labour and Ukip. We used to look up to MPs, now they rank behind football managers.

Chris Ramus

Address supplied


remembrance day

Wear Poppy with pride

For more than 86 years, The Royal British Legion has supported British soldiers, sailors and airmen who have defended our country and helped to keep peace elsewhere in the world.

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Many return to civilian life, only to find great difficulty in re-adapting.

The Royal British Legion will be there for them, as it is for veterans of the world wars, Iraq, Afghanistan and the many other peacetime conflicts since 1945.

The Royal British Legion, as a charity, is reliant upon public support for its funding, and The Poppy Appeal is a vital part of its fundraising efforts. Through the appeal, the legion can help through times of hardship. Help the Poppy Appeal to help those who have given so much. Wear your Poppy with pride!

Kath Rowson

via email


health

Make strides – be healthy

Sixteen years ago there had never been a single case of a child being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in the UK.

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The BBC’s Panorama revealed last week that there are now more than 500 cases – and rising. October is International Walk to School Month – not a date many of us will have in our diary but as walking to school rates hit a dangerous low point and child health problems increase, maybe it should be.

Walking more can lead to improved physical and mental health, including reduced risk of type 2 diabetes.

The journey to school is one children make every day, so let’s make it an active one. Catchment areas can be an issue but Park and Stride – swapping school gate gridlock for parking further away and taking a short walk instead – means children can still get active for part of the journey and stops the school being surrounded by congestion.

If you could park further away and walk the last stretch, then ask your school to speak to a nearby supermarket, pub or church about allowing their car park to be used.

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Soaring diabetes, childhood obesity and harmful air pollution mean we need to seek solutions – not excuses. International Walk to School Month is a good time to start.

Tim Fitches

Research and Evaluation Manager, Living Streets