'Is Andre Rieu's orchestra the key to a peaceful world?'

One has only to look at Republicans versus Democrats in the US, the EU verses the UK, Russia versus Ukraine, Saudi Arabia versus Yemen, unions versus the private rail companies and many, many more.

But there is a way tensions might be calmed.

The amazing Dutch violinist and conductor of the Johann Strauss Orchestra, Andre Rieu, has, for 31 years, led his wonderful band all over the world.

His orchestra contains folk from 13 different countries.

There is never a row, no in-fighting, all successfully based on fun.

Wherever his orchestra plays, everyone is full of happiness, goodwill, caring and love of their fellow man.

After two or more hours of playing, there is hardly a dry eye in the audience.

His music appeals to everyone.

So, if his orchestra was booked for a two-hour session before all future ‘disputes and meetings’, the overall air would be calmer, far more pleasant, and a ‘nice’ outcome much more likely.

Everything else seems to be failing right now - so why not give this a try?

David Quarrie

Address supplied

Laugh at comic duo Laurel and Hardy’s crazy antics

The biopic of Laurel and Hardy’s visit to the UK for their last tour is due for release.

I can’t wait for this film, the trailers look brilliant.

Steve Coogan (as Stan Laurel) and John C Reilly (as Oliver Hardy) look the parts and I truly hope that audiences will get an understanding of Laurel and Hardy’s love and respect for each other.

As much as I love Dad’s Army, which the BBC seems to continue to show on BBC2 every Saturday evening, surely with this film, Stan and Ollie, coming out, it’s time to re-show all those classic 20-minute family-friendly Laurel and Hardy episodes?

Slapstick comedy, no bad language, this is surely the time to bring Laurel and Hardy to a brand new audience, the much younger generation?

Let’s keep their legacy alive and laugh at their crazy antics.

Peter Keighley

via email