How can choirs be more dangerous than pubs?

sir – Leslie Rocker (Letters, July 7) makes an important point about breath control in singing.

Young people returned to local pubs at the weekend, talking loudly and laughing in each other’s faces, with little evidence of social distancing.

Compare that with a cathedral or village choir singing Evensong, the members sitting parallel (the safest way) and the two sides separated by the full width of the chancel. Which of these poses the greater health hazard?

Choral singing is an important part of our culture, as are pubs. Logic suggests either allowing choral singing and pubs – or banning both. Dr Stephen Swinfin

Prestbury, Cheshire

sir – Harry Mount (Commentary, July 6) describes his return to Westminster Abbey after the lockdown. But what about St Margaret’s, which is part of the Abbey?

My ancestor Arthur Onslow was Speaker of the House of Commons for 30 years. With Robert Walpole, our first prime minister, he restored St Margaret’s. Their names are above the main door in Parliament Square. That’s why it’s also known as the Speaker’s church. Now we hear that its choir has been disbanded.

Our four children were baptised in St Margaret’s and three of them confirmed there. I think this gives me the right – maybe even a duty – to complain that Speaker Onslow’s wishes, and those of many benefactors who contributed towards the church’s recent renovations, have been trampled on here, possibly in breach of the terms of their donations.

James Hughes-onslow

London SE5