Saturday, 20 March 2010

Letters and columns

Revenge or rehabilitate?

LG letter12003 I AGREE with Alan Marsden (News & Star, March 15) about Jon Venables, one of two-year-old James Bulger’s killers nearly two decades ago, being returned to jail for having transgressed the terms of his release on parole under an assumed identity. n I COULD not believe the comments made by Alan Marsden regarding the treatment of Venables and Thompson. Those boys got the punishment they deserved. n I WAS absolutely appalled to read what Alan Marsden had to say about the public reaction towards Jon Venables. YOUR correspondent Mark Lloyd is quite right to echo the public disappointment with the way Labour MPs have failed to deal with rail fares which are nothing short of a rip off (News & Star, March 15).

Last updated 20 March 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

A world of difference

Not everyone has heard of DJ Charlie Gillett, who recently died. He’s nothing like Chris Moyles or Jonathan Ross.

Last updated 20 March 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

They are heroes of humility

Humility is a feature common to all heroes – who are in themselves, uncommon people.

Last updated 20 March 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

When Sir Trevor cosied up to Dave

Whoever persuaded David Cameron that pre-election exposure of his frothy, foppish side would be a good idea, deserves to be shot.

Last updated 20 March 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Love, art, empire

THERE aren’t many royal love stories that can tug at the heartstrings with quite the same force as that of Victoria and Albert.

Last updated 20 March 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

More Silvio sleaze? Yes please

SEX scandals, Mafia links, brutal assault, accusations of corruption – and the weirdest hair in Europe – you might think Silvio Berlusconi’s lot was not a happy one. On the contrary. For the richest man in Italy – controlling media baron and the country’s longest-serving post-war leader – life’s a breeze – and a soft, Ligurian coastal breeze at that.

Last updated 20 March 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Religion can aid recovery

AS A first-time writer to these pages I obviously lack the expertise of Mike Bird who, to judge from the proliferation of letters written by him, considers himself to be eminently qualified to pontificate (if he will excuse the connotation) on anything under the sun.

Last updated 20 March 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Idea worth an airing

I know that in a recession we need to encourage more tourists. But the National Trust’s latest scheme to lure them to Cumbria would take your breath away.

Last updated 19 March 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

It’s not just me who wants to see a golden host

When all at once I saw a crowd... a host of short green stubby things. Even the weeds are growing faster than my daffs – yours too, no doubt.

Last updated 19 March 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

More home help is needed

Cumbria is a housing blackspot if you’re on a low income and looking for a home.

Last updated 19 March 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Dog washing machine: cruel or kind?

Great news for all pet lovers reaches us from the Japanese section of my page.

Last updated 18 March 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Bring out your wives!

Hello! Shortly I shall be coming among you, knocking on your doors just as you’re having tea, taking a bath or arguing with the kids, to ask if you will vote for me and my party.

Last updated 18 March 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Eric Martlew - good on expenses, not on defending our freedoms

As we come to the end of this shameful Parliament and Eric Martlew to the end of his time as our MP, perhaps he can hold his head higher than most in terms of the expenses scandal.

Last updated 18 March 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

If you’re ill... just deal with it

There have been many attempts over many years to make some sense of our beloved NHS – make it more organised, effective, efficient and less costly.

Last updated 18 March 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Just get rid of them

There was an episode of Yes Minister repeated this week which, 30 years on, was poignantly funny, and in which government departments were described as the tombstones of the sector they allegedly served.

Last updated 18 March 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Fuelling a crisis for drivers

Petrol prices are set to hit record levels very soon, according to research from the AA. Road users in Cumbria have already seen that coming.

Last updated 18 March 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Cuts cannot be answer

We have all seen the crisis in the financial and industrial sectors. Now we are entering the election campaign season in which all of us have an opportunity to have real dialogue with those who wish to serve us in government.

Last updated 17 March 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Cinema offerings reflect city life

Some films now on general release and with good reviews and Oscar nominations are not showing at the Vue cinema. Why is that?

Last updated 17 March 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Workington bridge users have to park

People complaining about not being able to get to their houses in Workington because of people parking near the bridge, leaving their cars overnight, etc when they want to get to their houses to do them up, must consider where people from the Workington side of the river are supposed to park their cars?

Last updated 17 March 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

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