VJ Connor (HAS July 22) is wrong – I have not retired, and have no intention of doing so until Old Father Time forces me to do so.

And I must also take issue with Mr Connor who says that Cilla Black “murdered” good songs. I maintain her rendition of Anyone Who Had a Heart could not be bettered by any other female vocalist of that era, including Dionne Warwick who made the original recording and Dusty Springfield (another fine singer) who also made a memorable version of this terrific Bacharach and David song.

Cilla stood out among the mainly male pop stars of the day as a forceful and independent personality. I also admire her for continuing her career after the death of her beloved husband and manager, Bobby, in 1999. It’s so sad she now finds aging irksome.

I say: “Make the most of what you’ve got.”

Chris Foote Wood, Darlington.