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Royals aren’t rogues

JEFF Adams opens his letter (Adver, 13 Dec) by suggesting it’s amazing that I accused him of contempt for the Queen.

What is amazing is that Jeff didn’t simply agree rather than make a pretty lame attempt to draw a parallel with my comments on the workings of the local council.

As ever with Jeff he takes a ‘hard left turn’ rather than address the fantasy he promoted as fact in his original letter, that being: “The Windsors are the richest land owning family in the world.”

He repeats his incorrect assertion that Buckingham Palace with its 775 rooms is treated like a private home by a rogue tenant.

Given the Royal Family occupy only 52 and the Queen herself a mere 10 it is difficult to comprehend Jeff’s argument.

As for his description of the Queen as a ‘rogue tenant,’ I think he ventures into the hinterland occupied by those who simply are unable to say anything nice so they say something crassly offensive and stupid.

I understand Jeff’s comments on measuring tourist interest at various attractions and he refers to three where visitor numbers are recorded.

What Jeff cannot possibly deny is the large numbers of people who gather outside Buckingham Palace (peering through the railings) and Windsor Castle and who will never feature in any numbers game.

Jeff cites the Palace of Versailles as having more visitors. Versailles is, of course, a national museum funded very liberally with taxpayers’ money.

What cannot be denied is the basic attraction of the museum in the history of French monarchy. Also it is the official home of the president of the National Assembly.

Jeff may be surprised to know that I have read Down With The Royals and found it entertaining but not especially informative.

I believe Joan Smith succeeds in her aim to be a writer who seeks to be provocative while she uses clever argument to promote her viewpoint.

I note Jeff’s view on the position of the President of Ireland and I am sure Mary Robinson, Mary McAleese and indeed Michael Higgins have proved inspiring. I’m just not sure to whom!

In his final attempt to justify his contempt for the monarchy and the Queen in particular, Jeff falls back on a tired old chestnut, the supposed slight on Diana, Princess of Wales.

He was winning that point until he gilded the lily by referring to the decision by the Government (not the Queen) to fly flags at half mast to recognise the death of the Saudi king.

I refute Jeff’s final assertion with regard to his claim that the institution of monarchy ‘poisons’ our national culture.

However, I am delighted that Jeff and his many Republican supporters have the same freedom as I do to express contrary views and opinions, and long may that continue.

DES MORGAN

Caraway Drive, Swindon

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They didn’t back rally

ON SATURDAY December 10 I attended the rally and protest march organised by Swindon Trade Union and supported by the Swindon People’s Assembly, other organisations and individuals to oppose the aggressive and draconian measures implemented by the Tory-run Swindon Council against the ever increasing numbers of homeless people in the town.

However, to say I am appalled and dismayed by the number of Labour and Lib Dem councillors who attended is an understatement.

I could count on one hand those who were in attendance. Where were you Labour and Lib Dem councillors?

The lack of interest shown by the above parties is inexcusable. Yes I bear in mind you have meetings and the time of year, but really, such a dreadful show is not acceptable.

Being seen on the streets and being involved speaks far louder than any words said in the council chamber in the heat of any debate.

Remember councillors of all parties, you were elected to represent every citizen of Swindon and that includes the homeless and vulnerable in our town.

MARK WEBB

Old Town, Swindon

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We are all hypocrites

ALTHOUGH he doesn’t use the actual word K Kane accuses me of being a hypocrite and of course is right, in as much as we are all hypocrites, large or small, in our own way. Anyone who denies being a hypocrite is not only a hypocrite but a liar as well.

He takes me to task for coining the term Barmy Brexit Brigade on the grounds that:

(1) I objected to the term loony as it insulted those with mental health problems.

(2) that not agreeing with Brexit is somehow insulting to those who voted to leave the EU.

(3) the very use of the term Barmy Brexit Brigade, as I have in the past objected to using cheap pejorative insults.

I considered the use of barmy very carefully because I was sure it would be misunderstood. Barmy – pertaining to barm the frothy scum that forms on the top of beer when it is brewing. I am sure your readers would agree that Frothy Brexit Brigade lacks a certain alliteration.

Disagreeing with Brexit and or questioning the motives of the Ukippers is not insulting to those who voted to leave the EU.

Suggesting that everyone who voted for Brexit agrees with all the policies of UKIP does, however, insult them.

On the third point K Kane is correct. I have indulged in childish name calling but one can only put up with being called names for so long and then the dam bursts. After being called a Remoaner, a loony lefty and most annoying of all a Brigade, after being subjected to the repeated “European Disunion” ad nauseum, laugh we nearly started, it burst.

I decided to retaliate with a pejorative expression of my own. I did think at first the Bullying Brexit Brigade but decided it lacked some je ne sais quoi and after some searching around I came up with Barmy Brexit Brigade.

K Kane says I insult the 17 million people who voted to leave the EU, but not as much as his erstwhile leader, Farage, did when he called them low lives who he would not employ or drink with.

STEVE THOMPSON

Norman Road

Swindon

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Cyclists are humans too

I’M JUST another cyclist, I’m in front of you, holding up your more important journey. Before I get on a bike I’m a daughter, I’m a wife, I’m also a driver and a pedestrian, more so I’m a human being. But when I get on my bike I’m somehow de-humanised.

Maybe you don’t see me because you are not looking for me. Maybe you see me but decide that I’m not going to impede your journey by a few seconds. You overtake me close, so close that if I were to wobble or hit a pothole I could be under your wheels.

I rode my bike just across the Channel in France this year. I was struck by the complete change in attitude of drivers there. And, because they were respectful of me I was more respectful of them too.

So, before you see red when another cyclist is holding you up, just think that person could be your son, your brother, your friend. We are all trying to get from A to B. Let’s all have a bit more time and patience for one another.

JUST ANOTHER HUMAN BEING

Name and address supplied

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Moaning Minnies

I WORKED in the customer service industry for many years and we had our fair share of complainants during our time.

Some of them were almost unworthy of the effort undertaken and my boss used to say that they were “serial moaners” who had nothing better to do in their life and had too much time on their hands.

In the recent weeks, the letters page has had letters about grass verges, fog lights and incessant monarchy bashing.

So it’s good to know that my “moaners” are still out there aplenty!

On a more positive note, it is refreshing to see the artist’s impressions for the new proposed art museum and gallery.

It will be a refreshing addition to the town centre and will at last exhibit our impressive collection in a fitting environment.

Glad tidings to all your readers and fellow contributors to the letters page.

KELLY COLLINS

Lyndhurst Crescent

Swindon