Where have all the VCs gone?

I NOTICE that at the latest ceremony to give out bravery awards to those who are at present serving, or who have served this country in Afghanistan, and to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, there were again no Victoria Crosses. I ask myself, why?

Surely it’s not a “numbers game” where giving out too many VCs devalues the medal? Shouldn’t the decision depend entirely on the act of bravery? I have come to a very disturbing conclusion about the issue. Those faceless and nameless individuals who make such awards, have never considered such acts “brave enough” and have not taken place in a “real” war, but merely in a skirmish between our soldiers and a rabble of local tribesmen, all a bit different from World War II.

Minster cost

From: Canon RA Marchant, Dulveston Hall, Esplanade, Scarborough.

GOING through the remaining papers of my mother (she has been dead for many years) I found a small card giving, in small print, the basic history of York Minster.

It concludes: “NB. It is hoped that visitors to the Cathedral will make a voluntary contribution towards its upkeep, which costs £8 each day.”

I wonder when the card was printed?

Ambulance duty

From: Godfrey Bloom, UKIP MEP for Yorkshire & North Lincolnshire, Main Street, Wressle, Selby.

SINCE my call for people to sign an e-petition calling on the Government to exempt air ambulances from duty on fuel, the number of signatories has soared up to 130,000.

That was what was needed for a debate on the issue in the House of Commons. Hugh Bailey, MP for York Central, has promised to take this matter forward, so we can expect something soon.