PLEASE keep your letters to 250 words maximum giving your name, address and daytime telephone number - even on emails. Email: letters@swindonadvertiser.co.uk. Write: Swindon Advertiser, 100 Victoria Road, Swindon, SN1 3BE. Phone: 01793 501806.

Anonymity is granted only at the discretion of the editor, who also reserves the right to edit letters. Please note, the Adver will not be printing letters on local political subjects until after the elections in May.

Postcard perplexion

I APPEAR to have attracted another new ‘pen-friend’ called Hermann Wilcott.

He has typed a postcard and sent it to me in an envelope, no address or contact details, no points of argument, only inaccurate comments about my letters, and the one word they use, ‘rant.’

I do wish these people would show the power of their argument by giving enough information for a discussion to be supported.

Mr Wilcott says he reads the Swindon Advertiser, so this is the only way I know that I could contact him; I need to tell him that I do use forenames and titles in a my letters.

I can add that I do not mind being called Spry, my surname, since this name has been used in these isles for over a thousand years; I’m quite proud of that. So, no offence taken.

Reading between the lines of Mr Wilcott’s postcard I can only assume he is prepared to jump into a ‘black hole’ with Boris.

Personally, as I hope my letters project, I would rather stay in the club and affect change from within.

To me the choice is simple. The Outers wish to return the Great in Great Britain; sorry to say, we were only great when we had an Empire.

Today the French own the water in Coate, the US owns the coal in Yorkshire, the Germans and Japanese own most of our manufacturing and the Indians own our steel; nothing to do with the EU, Maggie sold the silver and the Empire is long gone.

The whole world knows how small these islands are, I believe it is sensible to stay in an effective grouping with world size influence and effect change from within.

We cannot hide in an uncertain little shell on the edge of Europe.

Could I also tell him a letter to the Swindon Advertiser would be more effective, but you have to keep the word count as low as possible.

I look forward to his reply.

MIKE SPRY

Mayfield Close

Nythe, Swindon

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Thanks for support

AS a new year begins and we find ourselves looking forward to the upcoming months and the challenges they bring, I am writing to thank the town of Swindon for the incredible support they have shown us during 2015.

SSAFA, the Armed Forces Charity, is the country’s oldest military charity and we have continuously supported our Forces Family since 1885 - there for them then, still here for them now.

Numerous companies and traders in Swindon have worked tirelessly in support of our troops: Subways, Greggs Bakery, the West Cornwall Pasty Company and Brogans have supported us with food for our supporting soldiers and cadets, and many other companies have given us prizes, etc. to aid in our fundraising efforts.

Vince Ayris, Toni and Guy, Cotswold Spa Hotel, Morrisons Regent Street and the Debenhams have been particularly supportive.

We also had the support of the then Mayor, Coun Teresa Page, at our One Hundred Hearts Launch at Debenhams in February, 2014.

Special thanks also go to Thamesdown Rotary Club who this week gave us £3,400 – part proceeds of their 2015 Poppy Ball.

Together with us and the soldiers of 280 Mc Sqn RLC (our local reservists), Swindon’s good people have helped us to raise many thousands of pounds in support of those who need SSAFA’s help.

Thank you.

KAREN THOMAS

SSAFA Wilts Community Engagement

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Compassionate Friends

YOU may remember reading about the tragic death of my beloved 18-year-old son Robin when his inquest was covered last year.

I have been helped by a brilliant support group called The Compassionate Friends and I want to make sure that others who have suffered the loss of a child, sibling or grandchild for whatever reason and at any age are aware of this charity.

Going to meetings is helping me through my darkest times.

We have a general meetings and ladies’ meetings once monthly in Swindon, but it’s not all doom and gloom as we also have socials.

You will find that you’re in the company of others who know exactly what you’re going through. Please either contact the National Helpline on 0345 123 2304 or our lovely local organiser Margaret on 703744.

You can also visit the website: tcf.org.uk.

I’d also like to ensure that any professionals who deal with bereavement, ie GPs, funeral directors, counsellors etc, are aware of this invaluable service.

It seems almost every week I read in my Advertiser of someone dying too soon, so I feel it’s very important to do this.

TERESA BRETT

Covingham

Swindon

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Odds on an EU gamble

IF YOU walk into the car park of a bookmaker’s establishment and notice a very expensive car I will give you clear odds it won’t be a gambler’s. Do not get me wrong in this analogy. Many of my old friends who are retired spend hours in the betting shop with their small financial offerings to alleviate the boredom of retirement.

My point is that bookmakers have a vested interest in taking cash from the majority to line the pockets of the minority.

The Establishment is of a similar ilk. They have regularly announced odds in favour of remaining in the European Disunion.

But I beg to differ. I would hazard a guess that the big money boys, out of selfish vested monetary interest, have once again manipulated the odds in their favour by pouring cash into the remain vote. Is that not the essence of the financial survival of their monetary business?

Let us wait and see the eventual outcome of common sense on the day.

BILL WILLIAMS

Merlin Way

Covingham

Swindon