Springsteen references in sketch delight reader
Steve Townsley from Wick, Vale of Glamorgan, writes to praise John Crace's sketches, noting that Crace seems to be incorporating Bruce Springsteen quotes and song titles. In Friday's sketch, Townsley identified at least three: Glory Days, Reason to Believe, and The Promised Land. He commends Crace for this clever inclusion.
Bus conductor's lunchtime retort
Jennifer Jeater of Hassocks, West Sussex, shares a story about her bus conductor Uncle Fred in 1950s Brighton. During his lunch break, a man in a bowler hat boarded and asked, "Eaton Place, conductor?" Uncle Fred replied, "No mate, just cheese sandwiches." This led to an official reprimand and a wage cut, according to Jeater.
Tram driver's cheeky announcement
Kate Doubleday from Tickhill, Doncaster, recounts her late mother's memory of traveling on a tram along London's Old Kent Road in the 1920s. The driver would announce the next stop, Rising Sun, and often add "and the falling daughter."
Runner beans climb anticlockwise
Pat Stevenson of Holywell, Tyne and Wear, responds to a previous letter about runner beans, stating that in the northern hemisphere, runner beans will only climb supports in an anticlockwise direction. Any attempt to make them go the other way fails.
Cryptic crossword clue questioned
Jerry Emery from Lewes, East Sussex, criticizes the cryptic crossword clue "Roflmao" from 19 June, calling it a made-up word and suggesting a trigger warning might be appropriate for such entries.
