Retiring most gracefully

WHAT a privilege to attend the retirement service for the Bishop of Selby, Martin Wallace, on Sunday.

York Minster was packed to capacity. It was a wonderful celebration of the life, commitment and ministry of charismatic Bishop Martin. I am sure many of those attending had their faith revived and left feeling more fulfilled.

There were great hymns sung to the tune of Ilkley Moor Ba’ t’at and the Chariots of Fire theme. An Elvis Presley look-a-like sang to add to the party atmosphere (the Bishop is a lifelong fan).

A wonderful occasion enjoyed by all.

Well done, Bishop Martin. The Church needs more like you.

Foul language just not funny

From: Peter Hyde, Driffield.

READING Neil McNicholas’s article about strong language on the BBC, I found myself agreeing with his every word (Yorkshire Post, October 29).

I am no prude, having served as a police officer for 30 years, but I find the gratuitous use of foul language offensive. It seems that comedy is only funny if it is liberally splattered with the F-word or references to bodily functions.

How I long for the days of Morecambe and Wise and The Two Ronnies where there was innuendo but not downright filth.

Flying high

From: David Horncastle, Bessacarr, Doncaster.

I WOULD like to congratulate Jayne Dowle on her article “Flights of fancy with Billy Casper and his kestrel” (Yorkshire Post, October 28).

This was written with great sensitivity and enormous insight. It is one of the finest pieces of journalism I have ever read.