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Waste of time

Yawn. Another knife amnesty. Another waste of time. The people who carry big dangerous knives aren’t remotely worried about being caught otherwise they wouldn’t be carrying big dangerous knives anyway.

They are criminals. They are often drug dealers. They realise that if caught they will probably get a £20 fine and a slap on the wrist again and again. I get tired of reading about these “crackdowns” which usually only end up catching normal people with Swiss army knives.

Swindon police, please target the groups of yobs roaming around every part of our town untouched and unscared of any authority - or would that be too risky for you? We pay massive amounts of council tax to fund you but get a pathetic service in return. You’re great at getting the easy criminals to boost your records but utterly useless at catching the people who are seriously dangerous.

Roger Lack, North Swindon

International event

David Collins often writes to the Adver, invariably misdiagnosing social problems we face today, blaming them on foreigners. His latest is hilarious and pours the goo of nationalism onto the Proms. He writes leaders of the EU should be “forced to see it” and he expresses wonder that this “little island” manages to put on a concert.

The project launched by Robert Newman and Henry Wood really is something to celebrate. They sought to introduce the best music and talent from around the world to a wide audience.

This year’s Proms in many ways continued this and they presented music from a variety of the world’s cultures. David Collins’ letter insults this heritage in his attempt to wrap it in borders behind barbed wire. A quick look at the programme for the last night, which Mr Collins cites as a cause for lachrymose flag waving (understandably given the traditional almost hysterical presentation) showcases the work of 12 composers. Amongst them: one German, three French, one American, one Irish, four British (one of Polish heritage) and one anonymous.

What about the British composers? Thomas Arne (Rule Britannia) wasn’t’ allowed to write for the Anglican church or the Royal court because he was a Catholic. Elgar thought himself an “outsider” as he was a Catholic and initially met with much resistance in a Protestant establishment. His musical influences were from continental Europe. Hubert Parry (Jerusalem) was mostly influenced by the great German tradition, from Buxtehude to Brahms.

Peter Smith, Woodside Avenue, Swindon

Generous donation

The Highworth and District Branch of the RNLI congratulate Mr and Mrs Colin Baston on their 50th wedding anniversary recently held. During a party to celebrate £255.25 was raised for the RNLI. Our grateful thanks to Mr and Mrs Baston for their kind thoughts.

Ron Rose, Highworth and District RNLI