The design fault that took the shine off Kiwi

SIR – While some may regret the demise of Kiwi shoe polish (Letters, January 5), I have always favoured Cherry Blossom.

The former has to be opened with a twisting mechanism that doesn’t always work; the latter just needs a simple push of the thumb. As so often in life, it’s the little things that make the difference.

Eddie Lewisohn London N6

SIR – For National Service I joined the Grenadier Guards in 1952. Each day, “shining parade” took place for two hours, when we would “bull” our boots, belts and brasses, watched by a trained soldier. Any guardsman caught using polish other than Kiwi was in deep trouble, suffering extra drills or other punishments.

Keith Rawlings

Calstock, Cornwall

SIR – You shouldn’t use a brush to put the polish on (Letters, January 5) but a rag; then spit on the toecap as you polish. Hence the term “spit and polish”. Richard Statham

Langport, Somerset

SIR – My late husband always polished his shoes on a Saturday night if he was due to assist the vicar dispensing Communion wine on Sunday. He reckoned that people kneeling at the altar rail would scrutinise them. Judy Boys-stones

Brampton, Cumbria