YOUR VIEW

Sunrise at Cambois by Flickr group member Brian Massiter. If you want your picture to appear here, email us at: pics@ncjmedia.co.uk

Don’t bet on the bookies’ morals

A READER recently suggested the removal of gaming machines from betting shops because of the addiction some people have to playing them, ending up in massive debt.

These machines are what is known as “non volatile”. They pay out about 70% of all cash put into them leaving profit of 30% of all cash taken in.

This is a guaranteed profitmaking source for all bookmakers other forms of gambling – horse racing, football cards can result in a massive pay out if successful.

The bookie always wins but he is guaranteed profit with every machine in his premises.

I like a flutter on the horses and have had an occasional go at the machines, but only with a nominal amount. The point I am trying to make is that the bookies will not accept the removal of these machines lightly. All machines instruct the user to gamble sensibly and only gamble what you can afford.

Sadly some people either have a win and think its easy or chase their losses getting into a financial crisis. I personally would remove them.

R WEBBER, Gateshead

It’s not for you to judge our coppers

I AM becoming sick and tired of the constant carping directed to our frontline police, which gives the appearance of a witch hunt.

So what if they nip into Greggs while on duty? So what if they spend five minutes in a fairground dodgem car?

Is the rest of the working population so snowy white that such activities are considered so outrageous?

As the bible states, he who is so without sin let them throw the first stone.

The same critics would be well out of the way when a drug dealer’s door is smashed in by these same cops, not knowing the dangers awaiting them.

My advice to the sanctimonious picture takers is leave your camera in its case and be grateful that we have them to keep us safe. DEREK THOMPSON,

Whickham

Aden Veterans mark 50 years

ADEN Veterans Association (Northumberland Branch) is to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the British withdrawal from Aden.

The venue: York Minster, York. AVA members to meet at York Minster on the November 29. The venue is a ticket only entry.

For those travelling by car, a park and ride bus service is available. Our December Christmas function meet is on Wednesday December 6 at the Labour Club, Newcastle, starting at 7pm to 11pm. Anyone requiring tickets contacts details below.

The Aden Veterans Association would like to welcome all members, Navy, Army, Air Force and RFA, who served or took part in the Aden campaign. Military and civilian attached are also welcome to join the branch. This includes family members.

For further information call me on 07828 843950, or email davea60@gmail.com

DAVID ARMSTRONG Treasurer, Aden Veterans

Association

Get facts straight on democracy

I AM sick of Brexiters moaning about being ruled by nonelected bureaucrats in Brussels.

This is just emotive nonsense and maybe they should do a bit of research instead of repeating what they read or hear from the right wing media and the likes of Nigel Farage. These ‘bureaucrats’ are civil servants.

They have as their political