Readers respond to recent articles and obituaries, sharing memories and opinions on education, football, DIY, and language.
Juliet Gardiner's Unrecognised Talent
Ann Segrave of Lewes, East Sussex, writes about her school friendship with the late historian Juliet Gardiner. Segrave recalls reading Gardiner's homework on the bus—an 11-page imaginative piece about stone effigies in St Peter's church, Berkhamsted. The teacher's only comment was: "This essay is too long." Segrave notes that the school failed to recognise Gardiner's talent, leading to a lifelong friendship nonetheless.
England's 1966 World Cup Hope
Chris Walters of Buxton, Derbyshire, shares his memory of being 18 in 1966 when England scored the fourth goal against West Germany. His father said, "Watch this, you'll never see it in your lifetime again." Walters fears he might be right and quotes Brian Clough: "We were the best team on paper – unfortunately we played on grass." He looks forward to the Euros with hope.
DIY Avoidance
Jane Imrie of Collingham, Nottinghamshire, relates to Tim Dowling's column on avoiding DIY. Her father always said: "DIY means don't involve yourself." She finds a kindred spirit in Dowling's principles.
Regional Slang: 'Shrammed' and 'Spreethed'
Jane Ghosh of Bristol responds to a letter asking if 'shrammed' is redundant. She still uses it in Bristol, along with 'spreethed' meaning chapped. She suggests that with warmer winters, such words may go the way of the dodo.
