Reader’s picture of the day
So much more could be done
I’ve been reading with proud interest that our national dockyard has been placed
40th in the world of national attractions.
I think we underestimate this wonderful city. Even more reason why our council and tourism industry should be working tirelessly on developing every possible sightseeing opportunity.
Our inner city, with its beautifully preserved statues and parks, could be elevated as well as our sad Commercial Road – so much more could be made of this area. Not the small cosmetic changes they are making, but real striking and meaningful changes.
Our history, especially with D-Day coming up, what a time to showcase. I’ve got loads of visitors coming from all over the world. Believe me I’m ready to show off.
Proud of our Portsmouth. It deserves the best.
D. Cornish Portsmouth
Exchanging numbers
My recent visits to Portsmouth City Museum have confined me to the museum gardens because the visitor attraction has been closed for essential maintenance.
This has meant that I have given increased attention to the red concrete telephone box (model K1) from the period 1922-27, which is a remarkable feature of the garden. I can imagine using this elegant kiosk a century ago.
I could phone Gosport (1) for the office of Mumbys Table Waters or Horndean (10) for Gales Brewery, as a couple of examples.
I wonder if there was prestige attached to having the first number of a telephone exchange as Mumbys had in Gosport?
Do any of your readers know who had the phone number Portsmouth (1)?
Portsmouth had its first telephone exchange in 1885. In 1913, the Post Office took over the exchange when there were 2,528 subscribers.
At this time, Portsmouth Exchange was one of the first to be updated with the automatic system. A decade later public telephone boxes were introduced.
Simon Hart
Havant
Time to end the obsession
Whether a Royalist or not, sympathy must be categoric for the unfortunate Princess Kate.
The media across the board blatantly hinted that the now admitted illness is cancer – the dreaded big “C”.
Having survived prostate and bowel cancer and the ensuing treatment, I’m aware news of cancer is devastating to any individual, and even if wealthy, cosseted and loved, it can still bring a feeling of isolation and deep-rooted fear.
Free press is vital but overkill is unacceptable, and despite the televised plea from Kate for privacy, the entire evening across all TV stations was nothing but Kate’s cancer diagnosis and was still Saturday’s main news topic on radio and TV.
Time to think sideways and reflect that thousands have had a similar diagnosis this week but without the comfort of relations.
They may be very elderly and feel very, very alone and lacking support. It’s time to cease the hysteria and unhealthy interest in others’ health and offer support, love and positivity.
Jon Cole Portsmouth
We have been shortchanged
Re: Letter from R. Allen (A
Lack of Due Diligence, The News, March 18).
I had written to The News a month ago in the same vein about the purchase of the Criterion. It seems Councillor Chegwyn had nominated the building as a great opportunity for Gosport, though there was a church building close by that offered the same facilities.
R. Allen’s letter was much more succinct and informative than mine and indicated the correct procedures hadn’t been met. We feel Gosport residents have been shortchanged again in both senses of the word.
M. Lewis Gosport
I wonder if there was prestige attached to having the first number of a telephone exchange as Mumbys had in Gosport?