Express & Star » Letters:

The debt we owe classy hero Hugh

Tim Walters — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 09:10:57 +0000

My first recollections of Hugh Porter date back to the late 1950s and early 1960s, when we were both starting out as racing cyclists.

Then our paths diverged because he had something I didn’t have – class!

We both used to ride the Tuesday evening “cut-up” which started at the top of Tettenhall Bank, went to Shifnal, then … [visit site to read more]

Dump pointless and costly farce

Tim Walters — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 08:56:13 +0000

Sue Barker, commentating at the Beijing Olympics, stated that: “The whole nation is rooting for Team GB”. Wrong! (For one thing it will soon be known as Team EU if a group calling itself “Young Euro Federalists” get their … [visit site to read more]

Nice idea, but who would do service?

Tim Walters — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 08:20:58 +0000

I see that yet again in the Letters page there is a fond plea for the return of National Service.

I make no comment as to the merits or otherwise of this idea, but what does interest me is the question of exactly who would perform this duty?

There appears to be a tacit assumption that the performance of National Service would be carried out by young men only (as in … [visit site to read more]

Guns for the vulnerable

Chris Leggett — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 23:16:31 +0000

I’m writing regarding the appalling rise in violent crime we have recently witnessed.

We need a new approach to the threat of violence facing many people in their day-to-day lives, as the current mentality of “let’s ban everything” is actually proving to be counter-productive.

It is unbelievable that so many people think introducing laws is the best way to protect us from those who don’t obey … [visit site to read more]

Wait at clinic like Third World service

Tim Walters — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 08:36:20 +0000

I feel compelled to write regarding the treatment my wife received recently while attending the ophthalmology outpatient clinic at Russells Hall Hospital.

She had an appointment for 2.30pm and we arrived ten … [visit site to read more]

Need to stay grounded over airfield plans

Tim Walters — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 08:20:20 +0000

Congratulations to Claverly Council for opposing the plans put forward by the owners of Bobbington Airfield.Like them, I am deeply sceptical about the future intentions of the published plans for flying operations from this airfield.

In addition, I am … [visit site to read more]

Bar wars price right for drinking classes

Tim Walters — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 08:29:10 +0000

The ongoing “bar wars”, which have seen drinks prices slashed in West Bromwich, can only be good for the beer drinkers of the Black country.

The prices for drinks at The Explosion and The Marksman are at least at a realistic price for the West Midlands area.

The comments from former mayor Cllr Bill Archer, which he is … [visit site to read more]

Now woeful MPs turning on Brown

Tim Walters — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 07:21:45 +0000

Here we are again, the “day of the long knives”, when MPs want to blame their leader for all their problems.

While I fervently believe our Gordon is responsible for most of the woes and the country’s financial position, the Government generally has to accept a lot of the blame. How on earth … [visit site to read more]

Annoyed by refuse police

Chris Leggett — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 23:57:43 +0000

Do Dudley Council refuse collectors have a job spec, and if so, does anyone actually check whether they adhere to it?

It seems a decision is made in the cab as they start the day as to what shall be collected.

The recent strike resulted in bags full of decomposing waste left outside houses in this area. Fair enough, everyone has the right to withdraw their … [visit site to read more]

Two words that get MPs shaking

Tim Walters — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 07:14:15 +0000

Is there anyone out there who still believes Mr Gordon Brown’s leadership qualities are fantastic, apart from himself and a scattering of Labour MPs?

The Labour Party has lost yet another by-election and I wonder how many more seats they may lose if they do not start listening to the … [visit site to read more]

10 reasons why Britain is great

Tim Walters — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 08:39:39 +0000

I am tired of reading the doom and gloom letters you receive. Why are people so grumpy and negative living in a country that offers do much?

Can I remind your readers why they should be thankful to live in the United Kingdom:

1 … [visit site to read more]

Europe for the peasant

Chris Leggett — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 23:00:00 +0000

Letter: The “two pullovers” remarks made by the £1 million per year man, about the cost of heating, can only inflame the “peasants” even more!

It gives us all a bit more insight into the workings of the super rich class, and their feelings about the under class - ie contempt!

He should remember the French (”let them eat cake”) … [visit site to read more]