We owe our lives to the heroes of World War
I WAS born in 1948 and so don’t remember at first hand what happened during the Second World War.
But being Jewish and also being a patriot of this country, I recognise the massive sacrifices that all of our parents’ generation made in that war so that all of us today can live in peace and free from tyranny today.
In case any readers wondered why I mentioned my religion in this tribute, my reason for that is because I feel a tremendous debt of gratitude to everyone in this country (including members of my own faith) who fought against Nazi Germany. Because if they had not succeeded, it is fairly certain that no Jews, including me, would be alive today in Britain – Hitler would have made sure of that.
So I am very moved that the ‘Cockleshell Heroes’ are to be honoured for their incredible bravery in ensuring that six German ships were sunk during their daring mission. And I am also delighted that there is to be a memorial statue of James Conway as outlined in the M.E.N. on December 11. Howard Gardner, Sale
New EU vote would be mad
IS Rod Slater (M.E.N. Viewpoints,
December 11) serious when he calls for a new vote on whether we should leave the EU?
Does he not realise that if that was to happen and the vote was to remain we would then be at the mercy of all the other EU members?
We would have to abide to every thing they wished to impose upon us, and there would be nothing we could do about it because we would have no influence whatsoever.
Their aim is a federal state of Europe, and if we went back cap in hand we would be at there beck and call with no vote no influence.
I remember the years of boom and bust in the 60s and 70s – nothing could be as bad as those times, so let’s stick to our guns and get out, our destiny is then in our own hands and nobody else’s. AJ Bowers, Manchester
Brexit pitfalls now clearer
I AM writing to support Jane Lawson. In her letter ‘Our MPs must vote on the final Euro deal’ (M.E.N.,
December 12) she expresses doubt about how leaving the EU will benefit the UK.
The present wave of euphoria about the first agreement, reached after dramatic cliff-hangers, might well be a temporary response to anything being agreed at all, or even seeming to be agreed: sheer relief.
David Davis has admitted that there are no detailed assessments of the impact of Brexit on the various sectors of the economy. If all the succeeding agreements are as shaky, the eventual product might be ramshackle indeed. The phrase ‘Heath Robinson’ springs to mind.
As the negotiations continue, the pitfalls of Brexit are becoming more visible. The influx of foreign doctors and nurses on which the NHS depends has dried up. Even the Daily Mail is getting cold feet, warning that Brexit might mean ‘a longer wait for life-saving drugs.’
Either Parliament or another referendum must have the final decision. Margaret Brown, Burslem
Remember these pupils?
RE. the letters from Barry Gleason, Eric Maney and Janet Webster, I attended Ducie Avenue Central School for boys from 1948 to 1953.
The girls and boys were segregated. Girls upstairs, boys on the ground floor.
At break and lunchtimes, the girls had to stay in their playground but the boys were free to go out and about. When I started there the headteacher was Mr Taylor – Pop as we called him. He retired through health reasons and was replaced by Mr J Godley.
Can anyone remember any of the following pupils? Lawrence Seager, Maurice Hatton, Malcolm Lerman, George Willis and Brian Steadman.
Just a few names that come to mind. My form master in my last year was Mr L Baines. John, via email
Santa visits allotments
THIS Saturday, December 16, at Debdale allotments we are having a visit from Santa Claus, who is bringing some early Christmas presents – but all children must be in attendance with an adult to claim their gift.
The free event starts at 1pm and the arrival of Santa is 2pm – plus there is a North Pole mailbox to Santa to post your letters and all children will receive a reply.
There is also Christmas cardmaking event for children, stalls for decorations, handmade gift stalls and mince pies with mulled wine – along with an Christmas hamper raffle. Allan Grafton, Gorton events
Gas holder could be flats
ONE solution tor the use of the gas holder in Bradford Road is to do what has been done in Dublin.
On the side of the Grand Canal close to the River Liffey and by the side of the DART railway track the remaining gas holder has been converted into apartments, the outside steel frame being kept and the centre turned into apartments. Brian Kay, Timperley