Letters: November 30, 2016

Anonymity is granted only at the discretion of the editor, who also reserves the right to edit letters.

Benefits of the EU

DAVID Collins dismisses the EU as “corrupt and criminal” on the basis that the audit of its accounts have not been signed off for many years (Implement Brexit now, SA November 26). In accountancy only cash is certain, everything else is opinion, and so there are regulations governing the standards that have to be achieved.

The British Auditor General said recently that the standards the EU has set for its accounts are so stringent that he could not sign off our nation’s accounts if working to the same standard.

David goes on to ask what the EU has brought to the UK. A few things spring immediately to mind. Clean sea water on our holiday beaches, better air quality, although many of our cities still breach the EU limits, lots of workers filling low paid jobs in hospitals, the care industry and labouring in all weathers harvesting crops in the bleak fields of eastern England and, finally, shorter working hours and more holidays. Then there are loads of visitors here and in Northern Ireland taking advantage of the exchange rate to boost turnover and GDP in our shops and hotels.

It has also given many of us rights that we enjoy. We can live in any EU country and over two million of us do. Many of us also work or attend university there. Others just go on holiday, no visas or restrictions, and can also take advantage of their health care services if taken ill.

Finally Mr. Collins complains of “interference in all Britain’s affairs”. This, of course, is two-way because we are part of the organisation that makes the rules and regulations. For instance all the steelmaking firms of mainland Europe are desperate for the EU to impose tariffs on the cheap steel that China is dumping on us all, causing closures, job losses and hardship in our own industries. But the UK has repeatedly blocked its attempts to do so. I can’t think why, unless it’s because we want China to build us a nuclear power station.

DON REEVE

Horder Mews

Old Town

Swindon

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Misleading assertions

THE Brexit brigade are at it again, this time in the person of David Collins. What are they at? They are spreading and repeating misinformation.

Once upon a time I thought they were lying, but I am sure Mr Collins has been misled and genuinely believes it when he writes that the EU cannot get their accounts signed off for 20 years. They have had their accounts signed off by the auditors. I repeat, they have had their accounts signed off by the auditors. It is a UKIP lie spread by the Daily Mail that they haven’t.

Mr Collins please give us evidence of this claim, but not a Daily Mail headline, or retract your comment.

Come on you kippers give us evidence or admit the lie. And don’t give us the old ‘you prove they have’ routine. You made the assertion now back it up with proof.

STEVE THOMPSON

Norman Road

Swindon

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Pantomime pleasures

WE had the great pleasure of attending the pantomime The Princess and the Dragon at the Art Centre on Saturday night.

The first half was a bit slow and the music a bit to loud to be honest, but in the second half everything came to life as if by magic.

Many old faces were on stage and gave their all as usual and it brought back lots of great memories. It’s a shame there were not so many young members of the cast as in past years.

The swimming sketch was hilarious, and the little people sketch was worthy of a London production.

Geoff was as usual brilliant with his portrayal of so many characters plus audience participation and to make the show even better his old partner in crime was in the audience to watch his antics. Nice to meet you again Ken.

Now the reason for this letter is that at one point in the show Geoff invited a number of youngsters on to the stage to sing a song from Frozen and amongst them was a five-year-old young lady called Frankie if I caught her name right.

She was fantastic and knew all the words to the song, but also had no stage fright at all, Geoff was on his knees with the mike and I am sure there were tears in his eyes, this little lady brought the house down and there were at least four rounds of applause for her.

Shirley Temple would have been proud of her as I am sure her parents were that night.

Its little gems like this that remind us that local stage shows play such an important part of Swindon life and long may it continue.

My final point is addressed to Geoff. When you asked if we wanted you back next year the roar was so loud they could have heard it in downtown Swindon, but the icing on the cake would be if things could go back to where they were between you and Stage Struck. The two of you went together like strawberries and cream, a marriage made in heaven and it does not feel the same now without them.

Perhaps going to panto counselling classes together might be the way forward. Whatever it is we all hope you find a way of solving this hiccup in time for next year.

To all those that took part can I thank you on behalf of all the people of Swindon that you brought so much joy to us over the last three days and we all look forward to seeing you again next year.

ROY CARTWRIGHT

Covingham

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Question of education

NOW the headline dust has settled, recent editorial decisions to headline Ofsted’s criticisms of Swindon schools – ‘FAILED’ (November 14) and ‘Hey Ofsted…LEAVE OUR KIDS ALONE’ (November 15) – somewhat served to polarise the debate around schools and learning in Swindon.

However, could two recent local news items contribute to the debate? First, the news that Swindon’s University Technical College (UTC) was rated well below the national average in its performance. The deputy principal, Jon Oliver commented “many students arrive at the college well below the standard expected…”.

The second news item revealed that Bradley Simmons, the regional Ofsted director who had criticised Swindon so publicly, had recently written to the leader of Poole Borough Council, Cllr Janet Walton, to congratulate the council on its school improvement, one year after Ofsted had highlighted evidence of poor leadership. Whilst there is much evidence of success and hard work in Swindon schools, perhaps it is time to consider some ‘elephants in the room’, those more difficult issues we may have problems in discussing.

Perhaps such ‘elephants’ lurk in questions like: Is it right that Swindon Borough Council’s strategic leadership team absolve itself of responsibility for its secondary schools because of their academy status?

How long might we expect a Borough Council strategic leadership team to resolve the problems encountered by a number of Swindon secondary schools?

Are current SBC overview and scrutiny arrangements robust enough to challenge the current level of concern? Is public access available to the Education Improvement Strategy Group and are governors and parents represented?

Historically, Swindon has maintained relatively high levels of pupil exclusion – why? How can our secondary schools improve the motivation of many students? On a personal note, I ponder ‘What is education for?’

Of course, readers may have their own questions.

PAUL SUNNERS

Chiseldon

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‘Generosity’ of Tories

JUSTIN Tomlinson has the nerve to write in Friday’s Adver what the Tories have “given away” in the Autumn statement. An increase in the personal allowance from April 2017 from £11,000 to £11,500. This is £100 per year.

Unfortunately he fails to mention, due to Tory policy, Swindon council is having to raise council tax by 6% to cover adult and child care which should be paid by central government.

This will cost me about £90 per year. Coupled with the increase in insurance tax I will be about £1 per year “better off”.

G HERBERT

Trenchard Road

Swindon

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Thanks for support

SWINDON Guide Dogs for the Blind would like to thank everyone who attended our charity Christmas coffee morning at The Crown Inn, Stratton, Swindon last Saturday.

Through the generosity of the people who attended we raised an amazing £498.

Our thanks also go to Danielle, Emma, Taniya and all the staff at the crown for their help and continued support.

Thank you once again.

ALAN FLETCHER

Chair

Swindon Guide Dogs for the Blind