Today’s letters to The Courier.
Sir, I received a text message from Marks and Spencers which read:
‘Stock up for Christmas with M&S. Save 25% on any six bottles of wine or champagne until 4th Dec. T&Cs in store. Excludes Scotland.’
When I was in the Perth store later I asked a member of staff why the offer excluded Scotland and she replied that it was a result of the licensing laws.
I know modern government believes the man on the street is incapable of running his own life in a sensible manner and so it’s highly likely the powers that be thought Scots shouldn’t benefit from discounted chardonnay from M&S.
But this is more sinister, really, and smacks of positive discrimination against Scottish consumers making the festive season even less affordable north of the border.
What’s next?
Ann Blair.Ferniehill House,Stanley,Perth.
Damage is deplored
Sir, The University of St Andrews unreservedly deplores any damage caused to the large banners erected by the Kenly Windfarm Landscape Protection Group (John Goodwin, Letters, December 5), which were recently painted with the words ”wrong thinking”.
We may disagree with the KWLPG agenda, but we are at one with them on the importance of peaceful protest and the civilised exchange of views.
Intimidation can take many forms. There is no place for it in this debate, no matter how passionately views are held.
Niall Scott.Director of Corporate Communications,University of St Andrews
A new way to revive the Kirk?
Sir, I am no student of religion, but I wonder if an experiment in a Fife village hints at something the traditional British Churches any religion should consider.
All over the country those traditional religions are faced with steadily diminishing attendances.
The old habit of dressing up and heading for church with the family on a Sunday has long gone and the knock-on effect has meant the habit of going there at all has largely disappeared. So, the Fife village of Springfield started Wednesday meetings at 11.30am where the minister, Rev Jim Campbell, has a chat with those who attend, songs are sung and a snack is provided.
At first a few folk dropped in; last Wednesday the attendance was 32.
Not that many? Check the small village churches around you those which haven’t closed because of falling numbers that is and that would be looked on as a reasonable number to build on.
Springfield is one of three linked church, the others are Kemback and Ceres, and has the Sunday service time of 9.45am.
Not that early? If you are of a certain age and have trouble getting around, if you have a family, if sport rules, it is … so grandparents and parents don’t attend, therefore children don’t either and if there is to be a religious future they are it, but they have no introduction to that concept.
I know critics will scoff and say that people work Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday so won’t be available. Equally, a lot of people have time off during the week and might just consider having a look at the Springfield experiment.
If it isn’t tried because of habit then the Church will never know. If it is, it actually might be a success.
Ian Wheeler.Springfield,Fife.
An important missing word
Sir, In Alastair Harper’s diatribe in Saturday’s Courier there was one word missing ”parents”.
Teachers see children for a maximum of seven hours a day.
Who has control of them for the other 17?
Ian Gilbert.16 Robertson Crescent,Pitlochry.
Irony lost in newsprint
Sir, All broadcasters, politicians and trade unionists ought to be aware that irony on the airwaves does not travel well. Indeed, in cold print Jeremy Clarkson’s views on the public sector strikers look downright offensive and vulgar (Courier, December 2). But most people who saw The One Show in full that evening would take a different view.
The programme even began with the presenters making jocular remarks about Mr Clarkson’s flair for controversy. He went on to say how peaceful London had been on the day of the strike a lot less traffic and fewer crowded restaurants.
His over-the-top view on what should happen to the strikers was clearly an attempt to ridicule the BBC’s sometimes over-the-top concern for balance.
I would rather he hadn’t made the remark at all. But it was typically boisterous not malicious.
I am not Jeremy Clarkson’s greatest fan. I am not a fan either of the total lack of humour displayed by some hard-line trade unionists.
They are sometimes so dedicated to their cause, and have such tunnel vision, that they can’t appreciate satire and ridicule in any circumstances.
Maybe the work done by many dedicated, low-paid public sector workers is a hundred times more worthy that any edition of Top Gear. Their case can be made, though, without taking any of that programme’s front man’s remarks too seriously.
Bob Taylor.24 Shiel Court,Glenrothes.
Get involved: to have your say on these or any other topics, email your letter to letters@thecourier.co.uk or send to Letters Editor, The Courier, 80 Kingsway East, Dundee DD4 8SL.