Readers' letters - May 3

A quick and brief line to let you know how much I enjoyed reading Malcolm Wyatt’s article (Forever summer for more than just a singer in a rock ’n’ roll band, WP April 27).

The induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was lovely but no affirmation is required.

Anyone who has listened to the Moody Blues since the

1960s already knows just how singular and exceptional their music is.

Bringing on Justin Hayward in 1966 was serendipitous for both Justin and the Moodies.

It’s Justin’s ethereal songwriting, vocals, and rhythm guitar mastery that has been key to the group’s longevity.

And it’s the Moodies’ penchant for tirelessly touring that has kept Justin in the spotlight, not only with the band, but also in demand with so many other extracurricular projects.

I’m very pleased his intention is to record new music and continue with his solo forays for several years to come.

I wish him nothing but good health and robust audiences as he writes a new chapter.

Thanks again for a lovely read.

Blanche

via email

Call to be vocal

about viral

The UK’s leading meningitis charity is calling for viral meningitis sufferers and their families to be ‘vocal about viral’ during this year’s awareness week to dispel misconceptions that the viral form of the disease is mild, with those affected making a quick recovery.

Meningitis Now’s Viral Meningitis Awareness Week, between May 7 and 13, seeks to raise awareness to inform the public, health professionals and employers about the true impact of the disease and the long-term problems it can bring.

Expert opinion suggests up to 6,000 people each year across the UK suffer from viral meningitis, an infection that causes inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and the spinal cord. The majority of cases happen during the warmer months.

And because the symptoms of viral meningitis are similar to the more dangerous bacterial form of the disease, Meningitis Now is urging sufferers to seek

urgent medical help if they are concerned that they or someone they know might have the disease.

Viral meningitis can affect anyone of any age. The signs and symptoms can include a severe headache, a dislike of bright lights, neck stiffness, nausea, vomiting and confusion.

It cannot be treated with antibiotics. Rehydration, painkillers and plenty of rest are the best remedy. Most people will make a full

recovery. However, for some, recovery can be slow and the after-effects long lasting.

These after-effects can be debilitating and just as likely to affect people’s day-to-day activities as those from bacterial meningitis.

The charity is keen to promote its range of free services for sufferers of viral meningitis, including funding complementary therapies, counselling and peer support. If you would like

more information, visit

www.meningitisnow.org or contact the helpline on 0808 80 10 388 and helpline@

meningitisnow.org

Andy Hopkinson

Meningitis Now

Claims falling, premiums rising

Motorists should not be taken in by the insurance industry’s distorted figures and false connections between injury claims and motor premiums.

Insurers take compulsory car insurance premiums to ensure that compensation is available when someone is injured. The cost of injury claims is falling year on year: analysis of the insurance industry’s own figures shows the cost has dropped by 21 per cent since 2013.

So, claims are falling and insurers are paying out less for them, yet our car insurance premiums are still going up.

Meanwhile, the same insurers who are putting up our premiums are blaming their actions on the cost of bodily injury claims, and fighting to make sure the right to claim compensation for genuine injuries is severely restricted.

Evidence proves that injured people are not the cause of rising premiums, yet the insurance industry is using bodily injury as a ‘get out of jail free’ card. Readers should not be fooled.

Brett Dixon

President of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL)