In a series of letters responding to recent Guardian articles, readers have shared personal anecdotes and opinions on a range of topics, from intrusive noise to the legacy of journalist Rod Liddle.
Silencing Wind Chimes
Stephen Smith from Glasgow wrote about his own battle against a neighbour's constant wind chimes, drawing a parallel to the story of a pensioner who was driven to extreme measures by a neighbour's fish pump. Smith recounted, "Not knowing the applicable statute of limitations, I will only say that the restoration of silence was swift, secret, decisive, and resulted in no harm to any fish." His letter echoes the sentiment of the original article, which described a koi keeper who was "driven insane" by the noise.
Defending Zoe Williams on Rod Liddle
Paul McGilchrist from Cromer, Norfolk, praised columnist Zoe Williams for her courage in addressing the controversial figure of Rod Liddle. In his letter, McGilchrist wrote, "Thank goodness for Zoe Williams: brave enough to break ranks with those dancing around the ugly reality of Rod Liddle, whose mean-spirited, fulminating bigotry will be remembered by just as many as are now excusing his poisonous utterances as some sort of brave iconoclasm." This comes in response to Williams's article, "I knew Rod Liddle and hated what he became. He would have wanted me to say so."
Scottish Hospital Terminology
Peter Jamieson from Dumfries shared a lighthearted memory of his late father, who had a distinctive way of describing hospital patients. Jamieson recalled, "My late Dundonian father used to say people were in hospital because they were either 'no’ weel', 'no’ awfy weel', 'awfy no’ weel' or 'needin’ awa'." This was in response to a previous letters section on the topic of short illnesses.
Saving Strawberries from Woodlice
Alan Pearson from Broadbottom, Greater Manchester, offered practical advice to Malcolm Rivers, who had written earlier about saving his strawberry crop. Pearson suggested, "If Malcolm Rivers wants to save his strawberry crop, he only needs to suspend the fruit above ground level. Woodlice aren’t brilliant climbers."
These letters reflect the diverse interests and concerns of Guardian readers, from environmental noise pollution to cultural commentary and gardening tips.
