I AM ambitious enough to hope that my country can help change the world.  When I was a boy we were the centre of an empire on which  the sun never set. 

Now our place in the world is reduced but we should never give up playing our part in shaping the future.  Let's aim at turning swords into plough shares. 

I know Jesus said that there will be wars and rumours of wars until the end of time but he would then have talked about the four corners of the world. 

He was man of his time and addressed everyone in terms of common understanding  During my lifetime the aircraft can fly so quickly as to crash through the sound barrier. 

I would have been thought crazy if I had suggested such a thing as a boy.  When I studied management it was made clear that we were subject to constraints but human progress had been made by challenging the constraints.

 To me we need statesmen with the vision to look beyond what is commonplace.  Let’s translate the UN charter from a statement on paper to reality.  Nothing has ever been gained by setting our sights too low.  That is the spirit which has driven engineers to great achievements.

My patriotism is founded on making Britain truly great in helping create a better future worldwide.  If we take our coats off I know we can do it.

G Bulmer, Billingham.