I am 82 years young and a disabled driver and I applied for a disabled car but was informed that to qualify I should have done so before I was 65 years of age.

I was not disabled at 65 – in fact I was still grafting for Thamesdown Borough Council, now Swindon Borough Council, prior to retiring.

I can hobble about a bit with the aid of a stick but that’s about it (no marathons) and I get an attendance allowance from the state.

But the powers that be say “sorry buddy, no car”. I wonder if that’s an EU condition or one our bureaucratic rules.

I served King George VI when he asked me to join the army in 1948 as a driver in the RASC in Aldershot and after a time, he promoted me to a non-commissioned officer.

So now I must, with my wife Beryl, plod along in my ancient old banger.

Incidentally, I have driven over two million miles in cars, heavy wagons and coaches since 1947, with no accidents or fines.

Les Fox High Street Blunsdon Swindon

Menu battered

I write regarding the article “Hardly the best of British” by Michelle Tompkins about the Red Lion in Avebury.

About a year ago I had relatives coming from Dubai, London and Zimbabwe and thought about where I could take them for some English interest and a good fish and chip meal.

Avebury, I thought, the Red Lion. Wrong move. I had the fish too, we all did. Unlike Michelle ours was late, it was like iron on the bottom and it was like it had been cooked yesterday. They just didn’t care and they don’t have to as the punters go there.

Lynzey Paradise wrote, “the landlord has no control over the menu”. Have the fish Lynzey. Ms Tompkins just wanted fish and chips, not rubbish chucked at you by the chef. Food doesn’t have to be homemade to be half decent. We knew the price. The brewery set the menu but the landlord hires the chef. We wanted to complain like mad but I found I could not with my company. I will never eat there again.

I am hopeful it has changed but changed by calling you ‘sir’ and putting some classical music on in the background and sticking gaming machines in what was an ambient pub. Poor service and bad food, I will never eat there again.

M Connolly Vicarage Road Swindon

Golf club thanks

The Disabled Golf Society kindly provided an afternoon of enjoyment at Broome Manor Golf Course in June. We have now attended several sessions and everyone has thoroughly enjoyed it.

On behalf on Swindon Living Options, I would like to thank Chris Smith and Anthony Cutts from the Disabled Golfing Society, Barry Sandry and Steve Robertson from Broome Manor Golf Complex and to Hugh Christie and Kevin Davis for their time in transporting everyone. Many thanks – we all look forward to next month.

Charlotte Linstead-Hewlett Swindon Living Options Buckhurst Park Community Centre

Run for cause

Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF) estimates that there are around 3,300 cases of bacterial meningitis and septicaemia every year in the UK and Republic of Ireland. This means that every day nine people become ill with the diseases.

With one in 10 people dying, a death will occur almost every day. A further two people will be left with life-altering after effects as severe as brain damage, deafness and multiple amputations.

To help raise awareness and vital funds MRF is appealing for runners to take part in the Great South Run on Sunday, October 28 2012. The event which is one of the UK’s biggest 10 mile races will attract a field of 21,000 elite and fun runners.

So here’s your chance to join us, get fit, and run for a fantastic cause.

Sign up and we will supply you with your own running and sponsorship pack to help you on your way, and your own MRF running vest to wear for the race.

If you are interested please email me, Nikki from MRF, at nikkim@meningitis.org for an application form, or call on 01454 280415. Apply before September 10.

Nikki May Meningitis Research Foundation South Glos