Readers have responded to recent reports and letters, sharing personal reflections and humorous observations. Chris House of Hertford recalls the late Bill Oddie’s comedic talent and his own struggle with depression, finding solace in Oddie’s public battle. Adrian Brodkin of London questions the rating of Marmite ice-cream, arguing it deserves only 10 or zero. Siobhán Ní Chuanaigh of Dublin longs for an obituary that dares to call someone a “stingy git”. Antony Bellekom of Collingham, Nottinghamshire, notes the frequent mention of “natural causes” as a cause of death, recalling a comedian’s joke about research into that ailment. Paul Wright of King’s Lynn, Norfolk, suggests checking the dishwasher for a missing plate.
Bill Oddie’s Legacy
Chris House writes: “Sad to hear of Bill Oddie’s death. He first grabbed my attention in I’m Sorry, I’ll Read That Again, a 1960s radio show with fine comedic talent: John Cleese, Tim Brooke-Taylor, Graeme Garden, David Hatch, Jo Kendall. Bill’s songs were always witty. I remember going to a recording of the show and watching him grapple with the line ‘He battled with the rollocks’. To a 14-year-old that was hysterical. As a lifelong depressive, when I heard about Bill’s own battle, I felt sympathy for him and comfort for myself.”
Marmite Ice-Cream Rating Debate
Adrian Brodkin responds to Lucy Knight’s review of Marmite on toast ice-cream, which scored 5/10 for flavour. Brodkin argues: “Surely in the case of Marmite, the only appropriate ratings are 10 or zero?”
Obituary Clichés Questioned
Siobhán Ní Chuanaigh comments on Dr Terry Scragg’s letter about obituaries, noting that “generous” is a common descriptor. She writes: “I long to read ‘stingy git’ – or do they never die?”
Natural Causes and Vanished Plate
Antony Bellekom points out the frequent mention of deaths after a “short illness” and recalls the American clown Palfi, who would collect money for research into “natural causes”. Paul Wright, responding to a letter about a missing beef joint and plate, asks: “Did Jeanette Hamilton check the dishwasher?”
