Memories from a lost world

And thank you Laurie Dews for evoking many memories for this 82-year-old man who you have known all his (my) life.

I remember the tug, Robie, and the Lancelot. I used to swim in the Ouse (when it was only muddy and not chemically polluted); diving from the jetties opposite Olympia Oil and Cake mills where the barges used to moor. I once, for a dare, swam under a barge from one side to the other (stupid boy).

Those were the days. I shall certainly buy a copy of the book.

Taking sides

From: J Hardcastle, Constable Road, Filey.

THE Prime Minister is pleased with all those local authorities who have saved money by closing homes for elderly people, day centres for the disabled and childcare facilities.

The money thus saved will enable him to send £110m for political and economic development in North Africa and the Middle East. As he succinctly puts it: “We are on your side.”

Hands up all those who agree with him?

Handouts claim

From: Barbara Gill, Main Street, Great Ouseburn, York.

Low-skilled workers from eastern Europe are not coming to find work but to claim handouts, paid for by the hard-working people of the UK.

The Government must stem the tide.

Down under

From: Peter A Rushforth, Sutton Drive, Cullingworth.

I WISH Robert Douglas and his wife very best wishes in their drive to New Zealand in the grand-looking MG sports car. (Yorkshire Post, May 30).

However it looks as if they are already in distress as the Union flag on the rear of the car is upside down – a sign of distress.