Keeping the marques alive in our memories
I READ Tonessa Makepeace’s letter on June 12 but sadly what she says about Coventry marques being relegated to the sidelines at MotoFest is symptomatic of the way they are being forgotten, with the notable exception of Jaguar. Triumphs were last built in Coventry in 1981 and the Rootes marques such as Hillman and Humber even earlier. These were just the last survivors of well over 100 different marques on a list displayed in Coventry Transport Museum built over the years in Coventry, some more successful than others. We in the Standard Motor Club are perhaps more fortunate than most at MotoFest, as it was our club magazine editor writing to Wetherspoons which resulted in the Flying Standard pub being so-called, and there really is no other place for our cars. However, outside Coventry the Standard marque is now largely unknown in spite of our efforts. I was recently filling up my Standard Vanguard estate car when someone at the next pump asked what it was. When I replied it was a Standard he asked: “But what make is it?” Standard Triumph was the biggest employer in Coventry in the 1950s and early 60s but the modern motoring enthusiasts seem to be only interested in current marques. Here is a picture of two Flying Standards outside their namesake pub at this year’s MotoFest, keeping the marque alive. Peter Lockley Chairman, Standard Motor Club Southam
Disagreement on a hot and stuffy bus
WHILST on a X17 bus from Leamington to Coventry on Saturday last, I and others encountered the rudest person who, having no consideration whatsoever for other passengers on the bus, proceeded to shut the bus windows – bearing in mind it was a hot and humid day.
When a window was opened this person got up and shut the window which was not any way near her.
When challenged, she demanded: “I want that window shut.” She then said: “If you want fresh air, walk.”
If anyone had passed out through lack of air, how unfair that would have been, not only for the passenger but also for the driver who could have without doubt ruined his shift schedule.
I hope the lady thinks for others next time and not just herself.
She, like the rest of us, all want an enjoyable journey but must remember she cannot enforce her personal demands on public transport. Sandra Camwell Coventry
What drives our young voters now?
IN 1939, the threat to our democracy saw our nation’s young men volunteering to fight.
In 2017, the opportunity to restore British parliamentary independence saw young voters dashing to get lower university tuition fees.
Where have we gone wrong? P Wilson Nuneaton
Long wait for first female Sikh MP
IT IS remarkable that we now have the first female Sikh MP in Britain.
When you realise that Nancy Astor was the first woman to become an MP in 1919, it has been a long wait. Ian Harris Radford