Letters: December 30, 2016

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

Charity starts at home

FIRSTLY, a very big thank you to the Adver for printing my letters over the years, it is much appreciated.

I know some people think my views are wrong and obviously don’t agree with me and I respect that they all have their own point of view on a wide range of topics. At times it must be difficult for the editors in deciding what to print.

I should also like to thank some of the people who write in with some excellent letters. Not that I agree with them all. That’s not unusual though.

In the Christmas Eve letters page I thought that the letter by John Stooke was absolutely wonderful, highlighting the extent to which the NHS is getting ripped off by drug companies which means we are all having to pay more into these Get Rich Quick Companies’ coffers.

Also Terry Hayward who congratulated me on an earlier letter of mine and Bill Williams, yet another regular contributor who has a wry sense of humor that appeals to me.

Brian Phillips puts his points about Swindon very well. Jeff Adams and I seldom agree but he always make his points well. His letter on this occasion was excellent about the money that successive governments of both colours continue to waste on so called overseas aid. Billions of pounds that could be better spent here at home on the NHS etc.

I honestly don’t go out trying to upset people I just try to point out that we have a wonderful country and we, the British race have a lot to be proud of.

I am certainly proud to be British. I just want the best for my country. Is that so wrong? We have pensioners struggling here so why are we spending billions on people who don’t live here?

It is said charity begins at home. Let’s see a bit more of this thinking. both in local and national governments.

Apart from these few things I would like to wish everyone a very happy and prosperous New Year.

DAVID COLLINS

Blake Crescent, Swindon

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Climate change facts

I HAD to laugh when I read Bill Williams’ letter suggesting that snow in the Sahara desert was proof that climate change was non existent.

Surely it is an indication that the climate was changing, not proof you understand, as it is a weather event not climate.

However, if you take the other indications; the arctic being 20 degrees warmer than average, the sea ice becoming less every year, glaciers retreating across the globe, including in the the Antarctic, severe droughts in the Middle East, Africa and the USA, and increasing numbers of and more ferocious hurricanes and typhoons.

In our own country 2016 will be the warmest year ever and, as I write on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day is lining up to be the warmest on record.

As for climate change being a financial scam by big business the idea is nonsense. The renewable industry is worth probably a few billion worldwide, the oil business is worth an almost incalculable amount. The top ten oil companies are worth $1,844.27bn.

Renewable energy is now more efficient and cost effective than coal and nuclear and, even if you don’t like wind generators they are undeniably more beautiful than nuclear, coal-fired or gas-fired power stations, which are a horrendous blot on the landscape.

STEVE THOMPSON

Norman Road, Swindon

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Challenges for charity

HAVE you made your New Year’s resolution yet? If the answer is no, why not consider taking on a challenge in aid of youth charity Sea Cadets? For the first time, we are thrilled to have places available for a whole host of exciting charity challenges.

The money you raise could really make a difference, as 93p in every £1 that we receive goes directly to our work with young people. Sea Cadets helps 14,000 10 to 18-year-olds, in 400 communities across the UK, to see the world with confidence, to develop self-belief and skills for life.

Our charity challenges are a team effort between you and us. We offer you support as you prepare and train, while you will be helping thousands of young people across the UK through your fundraising.

We have sporting challenges available such as the Prudential RideLondon and the Royal Parks Half-Marathon, both designed to push you to the limit.

The Snowdon Triple Challenge awaits those who fancy a tough and exciting multi-activity trial, while aspiring sailors may enjoy a day on the Solent with our Maritime Industry Regatta.

If you would like to make a trip abroad, take a look at the Zambezi River Challenge. Not one for the faint-hearted, you will paddle your way along the border with Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe, steadily heading for Victoria Falls where you will raft the most tempestuous rapids in the world.

If you are interested email events@ms-sc.org.

MARTIN COLES

Sea Cadets

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Appeal for volunteers

AS THE New Year approaches I am writing to ask if your readers would like to volunteer with Leonard Cheshire.

Not only will you be gaining valuable new skills, you will also be supporting disabled people to make the most of their lives.

Whether you can spare a few hours a week or support us occasionally, your assistance is really valued.

You can help in many different ways, starting with driving those we support to essential appointments or to see their family or enjoy leisure activities including sport and entertainment.

Your IT skills could be used to support communication on social media channels and if you have artistic or gardening talents they could also prove beneficial.

The most important attribute is the willingness to support others and be a part of something bigger. In return you’ll have fun, meet new people and form lasting friendships.

Come and join us as we celebrate our centenary in 2017 commemorating 100 years since Leonard Cheshire’s birth.

To find out more about how to become a volunteer with us, visit our website www.leonardcheshire.org/get-involved/volunteering-opportunities, or email volunteering@LCDisability.org

JAN BALZANELLA

Head of Volunteering

South Lambeth Road, London

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Wrong to refuse bail

WHILE agreeing that fewer people should be imprisoned, this view does not seem to be held by the judiciary.

There are the cases of the Royal Marine waiting for his appeal to be heard and the two men convicted of negligence etc in the case of the horrendous lorry crash in Bath.

None of these men is likely to offend or commit a crime while on bail and refusing bail has merely inflated the prison population, admittedly not by much, but it is the principle.

Imprisonment while waiting for sentence or the result of an appeal should surely only be inflicted where the convicted person is likely to be a danger to the public or to abscond and neither event seems probable in these two cases.

To paraphrase Mr Bumble, there are far too many situations where our legislators appear to be *****.

GEOFFREY RICHARDS

Ashton Road, Hilperton, Trowbridge

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Policies that backfire

THE right-wing Israeli Government seems blinkered to any viewpoint different from its own concerning human rights, and so fails to perceive that its own policies, once enforced upon people outside its care, become the creative force of all the opposition against the future and the success of Israel.

All intelligent adults should learn this. That when you choose to make people hate you, you are endangering the lives of your own grandchildren.

When you make your plans for the future, they should be clever enough to include other people, if you are smart.

Israel has been an innocent victim of evil terrorism: All the more reason to employ an inspiringly superior response.

The Israeli Government points out that Jehovah wishes them to occupy Jerusalem, but they must not invoke Jehovah while rejecting His justice. Jehovah urges Jews to share the fruits of His world, rather than deny Jerusalem to others.

The Government of Israel has the opportunity, and the duty, to teach cohabitation of the races, to all nations.

C N WESTERMAN

Meadow Rise, Brynna, Mid Glam

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Help out Barnardo’s

WE would like to urge readers to make a New Year’s resolution to become part of a team that helps support vulnerable children in your area.

As the UK’s leading children’s charity, Barnardo’s are looking for people to volunteer in our stores and raise money to support local projects that work with disadvantaged children, young people and their families.

You will gain experience that could provide a stepping stone to a new career or an opportunity to add to your personal statement for college or university.

Volunteering is also a great way to build confidence and try new things. Our volunteers – who are all ages and come from all walks of life – are given full training and support.

Pop into your local store or visit www.barnardos.org.uk/volunteering

ROY CLARK

Director of Retail and Trading, Barnardo’s