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Save the baths

I grew up in Swindon back in the 50s and 60s.

When we arrived in 1949, we had no bathroom and “The Baths” kept us kids clean. I can still remember cheerful whistlers having their baths.

Then came swimming lessons at the Swimming Pool with the schools; and - in the winter - skating on a beautiful wooden floor over the big swimming pool and a good social meeting place for girls and boy(friends?).

Big bands on Saturday nights too - it was a well used building.

And now? “They” want to knock it down. Why? If I can still remember the complex with pleasure, so can hundreds and thousands - and it would be a great pity to destroy it. Obviously it is still being used - but knock it down? NO . Go, the petitioners.

Maureen Lee, Kent Avenue, Waitarere Beach, Levin 5510, New Zealand

Not very convenient

It seems apparent to me that Margaret Tuckwell (SA April 14th) does not shop on the same day as do I.

The empty shelf syndrome did not originate with the Beast from East, only worsened! In year three I spoke with the manager re inconsistency of shelf stocking to be informed that this being a convenience store, not a supermarket, he did not have the power to order, just accepting that which was sent!

With no opposition here in Highworth, as all independent grocery shops were bought/closed it appears to remain the same.

All the good points highlighted in the letter are not supplied as ‘kindness of heart’ but brought about by external commercial pressures. Regardless, they must come second to the main purpose of a food store.

Brian Bradbury-Pratt, Parsonage Court, Highworth

Time for a rest, Ma’am

The Queen’s birthday celebrations have taken place as she reaches the age of 92 and she looks well, but then again, she has had the best care over many years.

However, I am beginning to wonder how she really is of late.

As the television showed her with David Attenborough, she seemed to have lost the power of concentration and looked rather vague at times and not really listening.

Likewise, at the birthday party at the Albert Hall, her facial expressions and lack of enthusiasm at points relative to her personally were sadly lacking.

Maybe it is time for her to call it a day as I feel that her ability will wane quite a bit over the not too distant future.

Chris Gleed, Proud Close, Purton

Praise motivates

It is said that a good swift kick in the rear is a good motivator but it is my belief this is only a short term one. Praise and thanks for a job well done is always a long term motivator.

So it is most gratifying to receive the many compliments for the environmental improvements that have taken place since we were off-loaded certain tasks by Swindon Borough Council.

There has been a vast improvement to the grass cutting. Remember when the grass was so long you could not see the traffic on the other side when you were approaching the Messenger roundabout?

Covingham Square, what a transformation this is compared to how it was as this is now maintained by your Parish Council.

Your Covingham Parish Councillors can often be seen working on a weekend complimenting the work that are two Maintenance Engineers do.

So all I ask is yes complain when you feel it is necessary but also express your thanks, as they are always welcome and certainly are long term motivators.

Covingham, over the recent past, has become a most desirable place to live. Properties change hands quite quickly and as a your local representatives we aim to keep it that way.

Councillor Derek Benfield, Vice Chairman Covingham Parish Council, Hawkswood, Covingham, Swindon