Stirring memories of a Sapper’s racing spoon

sir – No self-respecting Sapper such as myself in the Eighties was without his racing spoon (Letters, April 26), usually kept inside a jacket pocket and tied to a lanyard.

Now, as a soon-to-retire police rifle officer, I regularly check and recheck my operational bags to ensure easy access to such a utensil.

My last kit review produced no fewer than nine such spoons. Simon Crowley

Sevenoaks, Kent

sir – Doug Thom (Letters, April 25), should keep safe the spoon that he carries everywhere. I used to carry a small jar of Marmite to have on my toast when eating out for breakfast. On numerous occasions fellow diners asked if I had finished with it, so I wised up and put it out of sight. Janice Dark

Cambridge

sir – Perhaps the simple answer to the need to stir one’s tea is to give up sugar.

This would solve the problem and have health benefits too. Jean Ferguson-davie

Lydbury North, Shropshire