YOUR SHOUT

Fiona, I’m sending this from the east coast of Canada. I am familiar with your articles as my niece and nephew send me them via post, or my niece will type them word for word and send via email. How I enjoy them!

I totally agree with you about Christmas. It’s become nothing but a commercial, loud and expensive time of year. I’m giving “gift vouchers” to my small family, including some practical ones for petrol and groceries.

Within 30 minutes I had all the gift cards I wanted to purchase, and I’m done. Some may make their way into small boxes, so that the recipient has something to unwrap, but most will be placed in Christmas cards, and that’s it.

Let me add, I’m a fellow Brit, brought to Canada at one year old by my father, a Canadian soldier, and my mother an English war bride. Enough, for now, but please note that your articles are appreciated even here in

“the Colonies”. Valery O’connor, Prince Edward Island, Canada

Aaah, Valery, and your message is very much appreciated by me. Thank you! I love the fact that you read my column in beautiful Canada, thanks to the efforts of your very special niece and nephew (hello you two!). Fiona, you mentioned annoying computer ad pop-ups – well, I wish that mine were targeted. They are all about a football computer game, skiing in Tyrol and a site which claims to sell empowering clothes for women, but shows a range of skinny young ladies in tarty, skimpy outfits. I am a 65-year-old rather fat woman!

Love your page. Fran, via e-mail Love your message, Fran! Thank you