June 19: Orgreave was victory over mob rule

IN SARAH Freeman’s feature about the so called “Battle of Orgreave” (The Yorkshire Post, June 11), she appeared to baulk at Energy Secretary Peter Walker’s comment that this constituted “mob rule”, orchestrated by the Left.

She also rather obtusely concluded that “there were few winners to emerge from the year-long dispute”. But democracy prevailed over violent coercion; the rule of law prevailed over mob rule; and the long-suffering, law-abiding people of Britain were reassured that, never again would a militant, trade union leader like Arthur Scargill be allowed to usurp democracy or hold the law in contempt.

It is not “truth and justice” that political agitators seek, but retribution against those fine police officers who, in frightening and highly dangerous circumstances, did their duty. They showed courage, discipline and resolve to thwart the mob and uphold the law of the land.

We owe those brave men our gratitude. And it is high time that the Home Secretary mustered the courage to stand up and say so. As for the political agitators, let them hold their own “inquiry” – and pay for it, too.

A chance to shape destiny

From: Nick Martinek, Briarlyn Road, Huddersfield.

WHAT is the point of the EU any more, especially for the UK? Nations around the world trade with the EU without being members of this outdated political bloc. We could do the same. The forthcoming referendum gives the UK the chance to make our own destiny.

It is not solely a question of the UK leaving the EU. Because of the failure of five years of EU “can kicking” to remedy the ongoing euro crises, especially in Greece, the eurozone (EZ) is pushing ahead with changes to financially, fiscally and politically bind the 17 members inextricably into a single EZ state to try to solve the euro problems.

Effectively the EU is being by-passed by the EZ itself. The UK, outside the euro, cannot be part of this. So it is more a case of the 17 leaving the EU. That being so there is no longer any point in the UK belonging to the EU which is destined to become merely a moribund shell with pointless and deleterious bureaucratic controls.

Downside of cycling boom

From: David Swallow, Pool-in-Wharfedale, near Otley.

HOW good to see the letter from Dr Christoper Daley of Harrogate (The Yorkshire Post, June 15) concerning Sir Gary Verity. As he says, not everyone thinks he is the “bee’s knees”.

The expansion of cycling on our roads is one by-product of the hype. The other Sunday, waiting to turn right into Harrogate Road from Leathley Lane, I was engulfed by a peloton of about 30 who were joined immediately by five motorcyclists all wanting to go in my direction. Not my idea of heaven.

A love for the classics

From: Keith Jowett, Silkstone Common, Barnsley,

NEWS that Yorkshire is about to have its own orchestra some 60 years after the demise of the Yorkshire Symphony Orchestra (The Yorkshire Post, June 16) brought back happy memories of attending concerts given by the YSO Around 1950.

As a pupil of West Leeds High School, I was able to purchase tickets for, I think, as little as 6p to attend the concerts in Leeds Town Hall.

The seats were perhaps not the best vantage point to appreciate an orchestra as they were on the tiered steps behind the double basses.

However, this position meant we were able to look directly at the conductor and see all his facial commands to the players. I suppose I became something of a Maurice Miles (conductor 1947-1953) groupie and can thank him and the YSO for kindling my love for, and appreciation of, classical music.

Farewell to a champion

From: Brian H Sheridan, Redmires Road, Sheffield.

I WAS saddened to read of the death of Evelyn Moeller, albeit at the wonderful age of 99 (The Yorkshire Post, June 13).

My records of tennis in Yorkshire show that she was once a Yorkshire ladies’ singles champion and won the county ladies’ doubles title an astonishing 10 times.

She also represented England. A fine tennis player and a charming lady.

Net gains for Becker

From: Ken Holmes, Cliffe Common, Selby, York.

GERMAN tennis star Boris Becker has made Britain 
his permanent home. You 
don’t have to be sharp, 
smart or clever to know the reason why.

Despite its many mischief-making politicians, Britain and especially Yorkshire, is still the best country in the world to live.

Doddy snub

From: Graham Lund, Glen Rothay Hotel, Rydal, Cumbria.

I AM so disappointed that there is still no major honour for the master of mirth, Ken Dodd. What more can he do?