Letters from The Northern Echo

MINERS

I AGREE with Alf Pyle when he says that the NUM was once the greatest trade union this country ever had (HAS, Sept 3). Alf obviously refers to the time when we were led by Joe Gormley. Joe was an honest, astute man, a good leader.

Then there was a period when the unions and the Labour Party were infiltrated by the communists, these people were known as the Loony Lefties, today they are known ast Old Labour.

The demise of the NUM began with the arrival of Arthur Scargill.

Then Mr Pyle refers to the Miners' Gala.

When Neil Kinnock became leader of the Labour Party he realised that the loony philosophy of rob the rich to give to the poor made his party unelectable.

Things had to change, the lefties had to go, otherwise the Labour Party would disappear. He set about ridding the party of these crackpots.

This angered some members of the Durham miners' executive and, as a result, Neil Kinnock was not invited to speak at the Gala. This was the first time in the history of the Durham Miners' Gala that the leader of the Labour Party had not been asked to attend as an honoured guest.

Because of this insult to our leader, no other Labour Party leader has ever since attended the Durham big meeting.

Present Labour policy of out with the old and in with the new has won the last two elections. - J Scott, Easington.

GUIDE DOGS

I AM writing to thank your readers for helping make Guide Dogs first-ever Shades for a Day such a fantastic success.

On July 18 this year 250,000 people took part in the event by donning their sunglasses for the charity.

Once again a big thanks to all your readers who joined in and a quick reminder that next year Shades for a Day takes place on July 16 when we hope to win even more support. - Geraldine Peacock, Chief Executive, The Guide Dogs for the Blind, Reading, Berks.

ROMANBY SMELL

HAVING been resident in Romanby for the last 30 years, we are sick to death of the appalling stench from the sewerage works. The pong appears to drift across at least twice a week and is quite nauseating.

I understand remedial work was done a few years ago, but I can assure you the situation has not improved. If anything, it has got worse. - DA Savage, Romanby, Northallerton.

MENCAP

LET me tell you about a forthcoming adventure which takes place in a country renowned for its vibrant culture and magical landscape.

In August 2002, Royal Mencap, the leading charity for people with a learning disability, is organising an 11-day, 319 km bike ride through the heart of Brazil.

Why not experience all this whilst raising vital funds to increase opportunities for people with a learning disability? All you need to do is pay a £300 registration fee and minimum sponsorship requirement and then Mencap will provide you with flights, food, accommodation and bikes.

Please call 0845 9777 779 to receive your Brazil Bike Ride pack or e-mail: evelits