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Please use the pool

I READ your article on the lack of users at the Thamesdown Hydrotherapy Pool (SA, December 30) with great concern.

I have first-hand experience of the good work being done by manager Neil Montgomery and his team at the pool, and would be devastated to see this vital facility lost to the town.

Neil says there are 200 people using the pool every week – what a lucky 200 they are and I’m sure each and every one of them would agree that this is a service they could not live without.

But the capacity is closer to 700. That’s 500 more people who could be feeling the benefits of the pool and its staff, who have either not been pointed in the right direction or simply do not know it exists.

Please Adver, keep on highlighting the good work of the pool and letting people know about the service it provides. To see it close would be an absolute tragedy.

MAUREEN CARTER

Prospect Place

Swindon

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World is in turmoil

SO Vladimir Putin has taken control of America via the back door – or rather via the internet.

Barack Obama was right to expel all the Russian diplomats from the United States, but it’s probably a futile move because when Trump takes control in a couple of weeks, he’ll probably throw them a welcome back party on the White House lawn.

All this from the man who claimed the election was rigged – until he won. And then it turns out it was rigged – the help of his best pal Vlad.

What is happening to the world?

GS FLETCHER

Liden

Swindon

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Good things happen

I HAVE read with great interest your review of the year and I would like to say thank you for a reminder that not all is bad in the world.

The past 12 months have indeed seen the loss of many of our music and acting heroes, but an awful lot of good things have happened too.

Amidst all the political sparring, quarrels over planning issues and the usual toll of crime and violence, Swindon has seen amazing feats of endurance, heroic fundraising efforts and genuine acts of kindness where they have been needed most.

I for one am proud of our little town and the people in it. May all of you have a wonderful 2017.

ROSEMARY P DUFF

Old Town, Swindon

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Fare enough, Santa

I WOULD like to thank Father Christmas for giving me a free ride on the bus into the town centre the other day.

I wasn’t going very far but was weighed down with bags and the driver – dressed up as Santa – waved me on without the fare.

I hope saying thank you in the pages of the Advertiser doesn’t get him into trouble because it was the season of goodwill and it really put me in a Christmassy mood.

Cheers, Santa!

EL PEDLEY

Grange Drive

Stratton, Swindon