Letters to the Editor

This year is, of course, a significant anniversary, marking the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

Last year the Poppy Appeal raised a record total of £23,529,386.00 thanks to the generosity of the public and the invaluable support provided by many thousands of volunteers.

The Royal British Legion will always be there, not only to help servicemen and women affected by the world wars and conflicts over the years but also those injured or traumatised in more recent operations in Afghanistan, Bosnia or Iraq, and to support their families during the difficult transition back to civilian life. The Poppy Appeal is the primary source of funds to maintain the Legion's welfare and benevolent schemes, and in helping over 300,000 members of the ex-service community each year so desperately in need.

Many of those who traditionally volunteer their services to the Legion are themselves becoming elderly, and many more volunteers are needed each year to replace those too old to continue. Anyone over 16 years of age can help, they only need to ring free-phone 0800 085 5924. This would be the most positive way of saying "thank you" to those who, 60 years ago, helped to win the freedom we now enjoy.

Poppies are available to the public from hundreds of outlets in the Bradford Metropolitan District, and I urge your readers to give as generously as they can to help ensure the success of this year's appeal.

The continued support of the general public is vital to enable the Royal British Legion to carry on its invaluable work.

Lord Mayor of Bradford

Councillor Valerie Binney

SIR - On Sunday morning, November 6, I discovered a rocket in my front lawn. Nothing strange about that you might say, following bonfire night, and I would agree with you.

My concern is that the rocket had penetrated 1.75 inches into the ground. The business end of the rocket was 1-inch diameter with a blunt end and the total weight of it was 40 grammes with an overall length of 27 inches.

The landing velocity of the rocket must have been very considerable to drive it so far into the ground and I am left wondering what damage would have been caused to a human head had it got in the way.

I note that the rocket was made in China for a well-known British company and is obviously legal as, and I quote - "Complies with BS 7114 : Part 2 : 1998". I further note that the rocket "Ejects stars" - nothing is said about seeing stars if it happened to hit you, although I suspect that seeing stars would be the least of the recipient's worries.

STEVE TUNSTALL

The Hallows,

Shann Park, Keighley

SIR - I read with interest last week's article "Drivers will go faster on safe surface".

Peter and Dot Chiverton are correct, the problems that they refer to are the same on the Keighley side of the hill. Myself and some neighbours tried recently to persuade the powers that be to consider some kind of speed restriction but just hit a brick wall.

Even though this secondary road has become the quickest road between Keighley and Cullingworth, Bradford MDC seem totally unconcerned and oblivious to its problems.

The same also seems to apply to Keighley's Parochial Council, who one would think would be more than eager to help.

This road is used by horseriders, cyclists and walkers, who on only too many occasions are hooted at for just being on the road and slowing the speed merchants down. The road is a death trap to the forementioned and also the decent, considerate drivers and residents.

One can only hope that the Chivertons have more luck than we on the Keighley side, and Cullingworth Parish Council will put their weight behind them for a safer road.

R P BEALE

Higher Row,

Hainworth Shaw,

Keighley

SIR -In last week's Keighley News, you ran the headline "Four spectres appear in writer's manual".

Having worked at East Riddlesden Hall for the past 19 years, I find it interesting as to where some of these stories come from, as to the murderer lurking in the reception area, this is a new one on me, likewise the small girl dressed in blue crying in the porch; I have never heard of these two before. Certainly both the Grey and White ladies, and the rocking cradle stories have been told for many years.

The story of the taxi driver from the 1960s, as I know it, goes as follows. A taxi driver was called to the hall to pick-up a fare, he knocked on the door but received no answer. He could hear a party in full swing.

On peering through the window he saw a lady dressed in a blue crinoline, dancing. As he stepped back the door was opened by the caretaker and the noise of the party just ceased.

On asking the caretaker about it they said they were the only one in the house.

If anyone wishes to know anything about the history of the Hall, its families or ghosts, I am more than happy for people to contact me on 01535 607075.

Mike Freeman

House Steward

SIR - On Saturday 29th October, the Deputy Mayoress and I had the great pleasure of hearing the Steeton Male Voice Choir in concert with the City of Truro Male Voice Choir in the Shared Church.

It was a memorable occasion of exceptionally fine singing by two excellent choirs, but what made the evening especially enjoyable was the very obvious joy which both sets of choristers expressed, through their singing and their entire behaviour, of being very happy in the visit. It was obvious to the whole audience that many new friendships had been made between the two choirs and our two towns.

Even though Steeton lies just outside the present Keighley Parish boundary, I note that most of the choir now come from what we might call "Greater Keighley", and as such we can all take a considerable pride in their achievements.

I was delighted to lead the standing ovation for the two choirs at the close of the concert and I heartily commend "The Men of Steeton" for being such excellent ambassadors for Steeton, Keighley, Airedale and Yorkshire. We have every reason to be very proud of them.

Cllr Graham Mitchell

Deputy Mayor

Keighley Town Council

SIR - Thank you for publishing the splendid 1904 vintage photograph of Ingrow St John's .

Happily, this notable building, among Keighley's finest, has recently been saved from dereliction and secured for another century by being re-roofed, thanks to the Vicar, Rev Clive Kirke, who successfully applied for grant aid from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Even allowing for tree growth since the photograph, the church is a handsome landmark when seen from the vantage point of Ingrow Station on the Keighley and Worth Valley line and, as such, is an important part of that now world-famous scenic ride.

The church is not just history and scenery, however. In addition to the regular services (8 a.m. and 10 a.m. on Sunday and 10 a.m. on Wednesday), the church responds to a great demand and constantly serves the local community for baptisms, weddings and funerals, and as a venue for concerts and social events.

Ingrow St John's holds a special place in the hearts of many Keighley people. It is to be welcomed that there appears to be a renewed interest in the history of St John's and its extensive parish.

Julie Cowdery

(Churchwarden, St John

the Evangelist)

SIR - The trade in live sheep exports which has been dormant for the last nine months has resumed again through the Port of Dover.

Investigations into live animal transport on the continent have revealed consistent breaking of the rules on journey times, frequent failure to provide water as required and often slaughter performed illegally, without stunning, at journey's end.

During transportation large numbers of animals are crammed into overcrowded vehicles and often receive no proper food, water or rest during their long journeys. These animals can become increasingly exhausted, dehydrated and stressed, and many are trampled to death by their companions.

It is widely accepted that animals should be slaughtered as near as possible to the farm of rearing. I believe there is also no good reason to transport animals on long journeys simply for further fattening. Long distance transport not only inflicts serious welfare problems on animals but also risks spreading infectious diseases such as foot-and-mouth and classical swine fever over long distances.

If you are concerned with the suffering of these farm animals, further information can be found on Compassion in World Farming's (CIWF) website www.ciwf.org.uk

CIWF totally condemns the live export trade and advocates a trade in meat to avoid unnecessary suffering.

For further information about this please contact Compassion in World Farming. Tel 01730 264208. E-mail compassion@ciwf.co.uk

GWYN HAMILTON

Burnroyd Avenue,

Cross Hills

SIR - Throughout December, hundreds of people will be organising carol singing events as part of the Help the Aged Carol Appeal 2005.

Now in its 25th year, the Carol Appeal is a great way to get different generations together to celebrate the joy of Christmas.

Help the Aged is looking for people to support the Carol Appeal by arranging a carol singing event or collection, either at their local church or in their community. It doesn't matter if you cannot sing, it just adds to the fun, laughter and festive spirit! The aim of the Carol Appeal is to raise funds and awareness of the shocking number of older people facing loneliness this Christmas. Over 1 million older people regularly feel lonely in this country and 400,000 older people spent last Christmas Day alone.

I am lucky enough to spend Christmas with my family and friends. It is hard to imagine what it must be like to be so lonely that you spend days, or even weeks, without talking to anyone.

By taking part in the Carol Appeal you will be reaching out to lonely older people, showing them that there are people who do really care.

Whether you raise £10 or £500, every carol counts and every penny matters. Money raised will go towards helping older people feel less alone and isolated.

Organising a carol singing event is really easy for you to do, thanks to the Help the Aged Christmas Carol Fundraising pack. It provides you with all the information and support you need to organise your own event, from handy hints and advice to the carols themselves.

For those people who would like to receive a free fundraising pack, please contact the Help the Aged Events Team on 0207 239 1922 or visit www.helptheaged.org.uk/events.

June Whitfield

SIR - I am writing to thank Keighley Town Centre Association for holding its excellent networking/presentation evening on Monday evening at the Balti House.

We had an upbeat presentation of our successes so far and an opportunity for members and guests to input suggestions for the further strategy of the KTCA.

Many businesses around the town were present and learned about the future plans for Keighley College. Literature on the Child Safe Scheme, mystery shopper scheme and a package of benefits worth £425 to members were also distributed.

Any business who would like to receive more information should please telephone Jonathan Appleby, Town Centre Manager, Town Hall, Bow Street, Keighley BD21 3PA, or telephone 01535 618085, or e-mail jonathan.appleby@bradford.gov.uk.

NICKY NUTTON

KTCA member

Keighley Market Pet Stores

Keighley