Letters to the Editor

Good stuff! It made me think that as we approach this Christmas season, it would be wise and responsible to take a close, hard look at the proliferation of energy-sapping lights that we place everywhere.

Don't get me wrong, I am not a killjoy, and enjoy some Christmas lights in public streets etc, but to cover our houses with lit up Santas and reindeers in every tree does, perhaps, make rather a mockery of making sure we don't overfill the kettle or leave our TVs on standby.

It is a salutary and, even rather scary, fact that the very way of life and struggle to merely survive of those at the other side of the world can be dangerously affected -- regarding energy use and carbon emissions -- here, by us in the more advanced, industrialised world.

And I'm talking about the death and devastation from hurricanes, floods and drought, and the threat to both people and animals from melting Arctic ice and increasing sea levels. I believe they are looking to us and trusting that we will do what is needful, that they might simply continue -- to live.

So, perhaps, as we start getting the decorations out of the attic this year, we might stop and think for a moment, how we can each make a difference to those facing the perils of existence in far away lands. A few less fairy lights on that window?

A sleigh or two fewer on the roof? Then, next time we see these strangers -- brought close, right into our homes, we can know that we have done our part in making their lives just that bit easier.

Sylvia Walker

Styveton Way,

Steeton

SIR - I am retired and live in my own home and have a desperate problem at times to find someone to do the odd jobs which help to keep your home running smoothly.

I had such an instance this week -- a breakage which for me meant inconvenience and after ringing round fruitlessly the familiar feeling of "what do I do?"

I then found in my address book a leaflet from Keighley Volunteer Bureau regarding their Grassroots Project which is designed to assist elderly and disabled members of our community with practical 'do it yourself' jobs.

Within 24 hours of my contacting them the job was done followed by the magical words 'let us know if you need anything else done'. So now you know why my Christmas has come early.

Thank you Grassroots -- long may you continue to get the necessary funding to help us old 'uns to look after our homes.

MAUREEN KING

Haworth

SIR - I would just like to comment on the article, on November 18, regarding the mobile speed camera which was sited in South Street.

Mr Shorten was absolutely correct when he indicated that the camera vehicle was not operating in the conventional way. I had occasion to pass it four times in the two days it was operating and I can confirm that no "Mobile Camera" signs were displayed.

The tailgate was raised, covering the "Police" signs, as indicated by Mr Shorten. The camera in the rear was also not visible to the passing motorist and every effort had been made to secrete it. There was no camera operatives in yellow jackets to be seen, as used to be the case. I got the impression that we are now moving towards a CCTV surveillance method of detection.

Mr Gwynne was, I thought, very dismissive of Mr Shorten's criticism without, I suggest, seeing the vehicle himself. His comment that mobile cameras operate in areas where fixed cameras exist is nonsense, and quite the reverse in my experience.

He suggests that we shouldn't have any worries if we are law-abiding motorists observing the speed limit. Recent tests have shown that mobile speed cameras are totally inaccurate, so one cannot feel too complacent when passing a camera in case it is having one of its bad days.

Incidentally, I doubt if many people are aware that the speed limit from Ingrow Bridge to the junction of Woodhouse Road is 30mph. There are no signs to indicate this. There are four lanes of traffic. There are no domestic properties. It sounds like the perfect place for a speed trap -- and it is.

RON ASQUITH

Providence Lane

Oakworth

SIR - As a reader of the KN I am always interested to view photographs reproduced on the 'Letter to the Editor' page.

They leave me with the impression that nothing is forever. Is it? Forty years ago I worked part time for an old Keighley lady who continually bemoaned how the town had changed since her youth! If she was alive today I wonder what she would have to say. No doubt she would be spinning in her grave!

Twenty five years ago I met a premier Keighley educationalist who gave me some advice. 'Throw away the worst, introduce the best of the new and keep what is good', or something like that.

In the future, say seventy five years, will future Keighlians be able to live by those words? Will the symbiosis that is largely going on now disappear and will we all be one big, happy band of brothers?

Only time and the efforts of inspirational people will tell.

J F ACKROYD

Thomas Street

Haworth

SIR - The defeat of the Government after the debate on its proposed 90 day detention law has aroused strong feelings on both sides.

On the one hand, we have the powerful argument that the police are in favour of 90 days. On the other, we hear responsible Islamic voices counselling caution, warning that prolonged detention could exacerbate the whole situation.

Both sides have one thing in common: they are sincere in aiming to prevent a repeat of the July bombings, and are motivated by a deep sympathy for the victims.

In spite of this, some supporters of 90 day detention have gone 'over the top', implying that our MP, Ann Cryer, and other 'rebels' are insensitive in this respect.

We have, for example, letters from R P Beale, H Raw and A Priedavs, all using the same sanctimonious language against the 'rebels'.

Most of my acquaintances are against the 90 day proposal and need no reminding of the human tragedies resulting from July 7.

HAMISH HAY

Craven Avenue

Silsden

SIR - The management committee of the "Pot and Pasty" are trying to find out who founded it in the 1920s.

I suggest it could be the J H Craven family who lived at "The Beeches" down Bradford Road.

As a child in the early 30s, every Wednesday evening at the P&P they had a whist drive which my mother attended.

Just a few doors away was my music teacher, Miss Edna Williams, where I went every week on a Wednesday, after which I joined my mother just about the time they were serving supper.

The caretaker was a Mrs Bedford, who lived in the basement.

I loved to go upstairs to watch the billiards. In the corner was a stall that sold chocolate and sweets, and what a long time it took me to decide on what to spend my tuppence!

R LAPWORTH

Airedale View

Cross Hills

Keighley

SIR - Could I please, through your page, express my disappointment that on Saturday night someone saw fit to remove and destroy the poppy wreath which Cllr Ellison-Wood and I laid at the Memorial Stone in Laycock on Remembrance Sunday?

Many local people came to the short service and reception and were very pleased that local war heros had been remembered. However, some disrespectful idiot obviously thought it funny to remove the wreath and hook. The trail of poppy heads seems to indicate that the wreath -- the sign of peace and remembrance -- was then destroyed!

I would just like to assure the people of Laycock, Braithwaite, Gooseye and Newsholme, that I shall ensure that the service and wreath laying does continue and will find a more permanent way to place the wreath next year.

Catherine Rowen

District Councillor,

Keighley West Ward

SIR - Has anyone noticed how difficult it is to drive out of Low Mill Lane into East Parade recently? Cars parked on the double yellow lines at the top of Low Mill Lane are severely restricting traffic flow, particularly at peak times from 4pm onwards.

Regular visits to this area of the town by traffic wardens to deter the illegal parking of vehicles would be very much appreciated by the majority of motorists who use Low Mill Lane.

NAME AND ADDRESS

SUPPLIED

SIR - Where did the words "Defence not Defiance" carved on the stonework plaque on the wall of the Drill Hall at Haworth originate from, and to which wars do they refer?

It was built before the First World War and was used by volunteers, with the named Drill Street nearby. No longer used as in the past, it was the centre of many activities in the village.

F SLACK

Station Road

Haworth

SIR - My son Gavin is neither a child molester, a drug dealer, a thief or a burglar.

He's been a lad with lots of problems in his life. He's a grand lad when he is sober and a lot of people will tell you that. But for the last ten years he has had a problem with drink.

Now his picture can be seen in the shopping centre. I just wish the people who did this would get their priorities right.

If he was one of the evil people I would want him naming and shaming. But he's a lad with a drink problem.

They should have found out more before deciding he's a bad lad.

His upset mum.

C WILSON

Spring Bank

Keighley

SIR - With West Yorkshire braced for a big chill this week and temperatures expected to plunge to -10C, the RSPB has issued an appeal for people to feed the birds in their gardens.

The reminder comes as the Met Office forecasts cold and snowy weather to arrive by the weekend.

Gardens are becoming increasingly important as providers of food and shelter to many birds. When temperatures fall below freezing, birds struggle to find the food they need to survive the winter in healthy condition, vital for breeding in spring.

Winter can be a challenge for many of our best-loved garden birds, such as the robin, house sparrow and song thrush. People can give a little extra help to the birds in their gardens by providing food, water and shelter. You could also turn your garden into a vital haven for birds in the freezing winter months.

During hard weather, you may also attract some of the UK's most eye-catching winter visiting birds, such as redwings or fieldfares, by putting out bruised apples or pears, cut in half. These will also be enjoyed by the more familiar blackbird and song thrush too.

The RSPB is asking people to follow a five-point winter survival plan that will help wild birds during the harshest weather.

Put out food regularly, especially in severe weather. Set up a bird table and use high calorie seed mixes. This can also be used to put out kitchen scraps such as animal fats, grated cheese and soaked dried fruit.

Put out hanging feeders filled with black sunflower seeds, sunflower hearts, sunflower-rich mixes or unsalted peanuts.

Supply fresh water every day. If it is very cold use tepid water but do not use any antifreeze products.

Put out fruit, such as apples and pears, for blackbirds, song thrushes and other members of the thrush family.

Food bars or fat hung up or rubbed into the bark of trees is a great help for treecreepers, goldcrest and many other species.

For further information about feeding garden birds, visit the RSPB's website www.rspb.org.uk

Margaret Overend

RSPB