A northern bastion of British friendliness

SIR – Jacky Staff (Letters, May 11) suggests that if you try being friendly to most British people “they’ll assume you’re a nutcase”.

I suggest visiting Northumberland. We try to walk everywhere here, and everyone we meet says “good morning” or “hello”. Walking into town requires the skilful negotiation of various groups of people chatting – or, if you are in a hurry, politely trying to avoid being drawn in.

Young people are polite, too. When, for example, there are several blocking the pavements, they tend to part to allow you through. Some even apologise for being in the way.

Sue Allcroft

Alnwick Northumberland

SIR – On entering the waiting room at my local surgery last month, my greeting of “Good morning, everyone” was met with stony silence.

I then remarked on how friendly English people are. The gentleman seated opposite managed a rueful smile. Northamptonshire is clearly too far south for such greetings.

Joan Hicks

Horton, Northamptonshire SIR – My experience of the Brits is quite different from that of Veronica Timperley (Letters, May 9).

As I stroll along tunnels and bound up stairs on the London Underground, I think of myself as sprightly – until, that is, I step on a crowded train, when any number of young men and women, mostly British, will discreetly rise to offer me their seat.

I have taken to standing in a corner to avoid this embarrassment, or pointing out that their day has probably been more tiring than mine.

Elizabeth Weston

Sandwich, Kent

SIR – Veronica Timperley highlights the lack of friendliness of British people working in shops and restaurants.

This is in total contrast to the reception one receives in the US, which I have visited every year for 30 years, and where we are greeted everywhere with a welcoming smile and a genuine desire to help.

Some folk mock this as insincere fawning, but my wife and I love it.

Martin Henry

Chelmsford, Essex