Do men make enough effort in the kitchen?

FURTHER to previous letters about men, cooking and domestic responsibilities, I have to say it’s not good enough, chaps. I learnt to cook early in married life because my wife was in and out of hospital a lot, but I found I quite enjoyed it and started cooking for her every day, including full roast dinners on Sundays. She loved this arrangement but sadly passed away last year.

I’m now seeking a woman who needs a well-trained male in her kitchen.

MARTIN BASSETT, Tunbridge Wells, Kent. MY LATE husband, having invited his male friends round for an evening game of cards, would ring from work during the morning and ask me to go to the supermarket for a list of ingredients, telling me how he would like everything prepared and cooked. Then he would waltz in five minutes before his invitees, put the finishing touches to ‘his’ creation and bask in the compliments.

CAROLE GOODMAN, East Grinstead, W. Sussex. MY HUSBAND invited his Probus Club to a summer tea party in our garden before asking me if that was OK.

I baked 13 sponges and provided napkins, plates, cutlery and 44 mugs for tea, arranged tables and chairs around the lawn and afterwards washed up till 11pm. Will he make the offer again? NO.

KAY BUTTERWORTH, Brockenhurst, Hants.

AS THE anonymous reader who compiled the list of reasons why men would be missed, I can confirm to Jill Robinson (Letters) that those are the tasks I undertake, as one mere man. I agree there are men who don’t contribute appropriately to a relationship, but there are also men — and women — who do.

However, I confess barbecues are one thing I don’t do. It would seem I therefore save my wife from a lot of work.

Name and address supplied. I’VE been puzzling about all these men who aren’t trained properly by their wives. If such men refuse to co-operate, withdraw your services.

SUE NORTH, Orpington, Kent.