Mandela set an example to us all

From: Albert Weidemann, Ambrose Road, Ripon, North Yorkshire.

AS the world mourns the death of President Nelson Mandela, many celebrate his life and the contribution he made. The life he led with courage, with sacrifice and with humility but above all the example he left that we can only dream of aspiring to replicate.

My family and I lived in Johannesburg at the time of his release after spending 27 years in prison. I was five-years-old, still living in Northern Rhodesia (soon to become Zambia) the same year he started his prison term in 1964.

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The scales could have tipped either way as millions in South Africa braced itself for his release in 1990 aged 71 – were we going to hear words of retribution or reconciliation? Some had stocked up on food and ammunition in case of mass violence.

On his release, in his maiden speech he managed to reconcile one to another, yet how could I reconcile that when I had fought terrorism previously? He and he alone made me pause to think of his sacrifice, his courage, his dignity and his kindness to unite when there had been so much injustice done to him. He was able to reach out when others, even within the ANC, doubted his actions. Let us hope his legacy will help South Africans from all walks of life defeat hatred and hardship against all odds.

A truly remarkable man, the likes of which we shall never see again and certainly not in my lifetime.

From: Angela Stocks, Scholes, Leeds.

MY memory of seeing Nelson Mandela was when he came to open the Mandela Gardens in Millennium Square in 2001. I was privileged to be part of the audience. He made such an inspirational speech, and I was at the back but could feel his presence and aura. What a great man. I will always remember that day. May he rest in peace.

EU impact on everyday life

From: Jeremy Banyard, Long Meadows, Ripon.

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I HAVE seen recently a lot of comment regarding our possible leaving of the EU or for that matter staying in. Most of the comment revolves around immigration and the possible influx of Romanians and Bulgarians after January 1, 2014.

However, that is just a very small part of how the EU has affected and continues to affect our everyday lives.

So for those who think we should stay within a non-elected, bureaucratic, non-audited conglomerate, please consider the effect that the EU has had on my sphere of work.

I work in the DIY industry and over the last 10 years or so there have been many items removed from our shelves because of EU regulations. Things which we and our forefathers used for donkeys years.

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Here are just a few examples: creosote – you can only use real creosote if you are a licensed professional.

Mothballs – just because the USA was having a drug and mothball problem the EU banned them.

Light bulbs – loopholes have been found but we are still being forced to use bulbs that take an age to warm up. Derris liquid and dust – used by gardeners to prevent caterpillars on cabbages etc used for decades.

Sodium Chlorate – a well known and used weedkiller banned because it was deemed dangerous despite being used since before 1974 i.e. pre EU. Roseclear – a chemical used to prevent disease and infestation on roses. We are now on the fourth or fifth formulation of this product, all because the EU keep banning the chemical that the makers are using.

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There you are then. And one further thing to remember is that most or all of these examples (and I must have another 20-plus) have had a devastating effect on manufacturing in this country.

At a time when we are desperate for more work, all the EU can manage to do is reduce our ability to produce things.

Yes, I would vote to leave tomorrow if given the chance – we are quite able to stand on our own two feet.

Just like Denmark and Iceland and Switzerland.

Paying price of ‘Plebgate’

From: David Cook, Parkside Close, Cottingham, East Yorkshire.

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I AM astounded that the so called “Plebgate” affair is being allowed to rumble on, at an unbelievable expense, to the discredit of all involved.

Andrew Mitchell has yet to admit the exact terms he used 
to denigrate the police officers.

They in turn appear to have been too officious and somewhat less than completely honest.

Any teacher will tell of similar incidents happening, in miniature, at most playtimes.

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The adversaries are usually told not to be so silly, to shake hands and forget all about it. End of story. Having a vested interest in prolonging matters, the 
solicitors, lawyers and judges 
are rubbing their hands with glee at the thought of yet another big pay day whichever party wins – with taxpayers, as ever, picking up the bill.

Warning 
for Mr Gove

From: Barry Whitlam, Megson Way, Walkington, Beverley.

AS Michael Gove is responsible for education and that we 
are way down the list in tables showing basic subjects achievement, shouldn’t Ofsted 
be warning him he runs the risk of being placed in special measures and could eventually be taken over?