HELP WANTED:

THE RNIB community fundraising manager for the North of England, Linda Stephenson, is looking for volunteers, in particular people who would give some of their time to conduct collections in supermarkets, count and bank the money.

The RNIB receives no government or statutory funding and relies on donations from the public. This volunteering role does make a real difference as it provides valuable funding for services to people with sight loss.

Volunteers have the opportunity to get out and about meeting people while raising the profile of the RNIB and it could be just the type of rewarding experience they are looking for.

Every day more than 100 people start to lose their sight. The Royal National Institute of the Blind (RNIB) helps to rebuild lives devastated by sight loss by providing over 60 services for people who are blind or visually impaired.Any reader who feels they can offer a few hours per month to undertake this rewarding work should contact Linda to discuss this volunteering opportunity within the RNIB.

She can be contacted on (01388) 528297, or via email at linda.stephenson@rnib.org.uk. Patricia Lee, Volunteer Co-ordinator, RNIB.

MOBILE PHONES:

THE recent research findings on the links between mobile phone use and cancer has revealed there is no tangible link.

However, the discussion following release of the research does advise caution in frequency of use.

As we know too well, mobile phones have become a fashion item, particularly for children.

Normal conversation and interaction seem to be confined to street corner chat with the fascination being the phone and its many attributes including downloading music, video imaging and texting.

Mobile phones have other features the MP3 and Internet links as well as having the capacity to perform some of the tasks the laptop I am writing this letter with has.

Nothing wrong with that you might say.

Mobile phones are smaller, more compact and with the potential to be a PC of the not too distant future. But, of course, there is the question of regulation aimed at protecting children and those who are vulnerable in our society.

The Internet has taught us many things. Surfing on the net can bring to your screen much needed information and resources, but of course there is the darker, seedier side.

A playground for paedophiles and those who crave to infiltrate mind and body and, yes, right at the heart of our personal domain, our identity and status.

Let us applaud technological advancements but with the assurances that they are safe and offer opportunity with protection. Bernie Walsh, Coxhoe.

PRAISING MONNET:

PERHAPS the most inspirational person Europe has ever known, Jean Monnet was able to start the process of putting lasting ideas into practice 60 years ago.

He came from a family of cognac traders and in 1904, at the age of 16, came to London to learn English and complete his baccalaureate. He travelled widely and developed a deep understanding of the people of the countries he visited.

He noted that the British and French forces did not co-ordinate their actions in the First World War. He made a proposal to the French government that would enable the forces to work together.

This was successful and after the war he was called on to set up the Company of Nations but resigned to deal with a crisis in the family business.In 1938, with the threat from Germany growing, he was sent to America to secretly negotiate the supply of fighter aircraft to France.

France capitulated in 1940 and Monnet was sent do a similar job for Britain. He became an advisor to president Roosevelt, then in 1943 Monnet became part of the Free French government.

Rising international tensions in 1950 saw Monnet present a proposal to the French foreign minister to pool the production of coal and steel. This was agreed with the Germans and Italy, Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands joined.

It was the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), providing the foundations of the European Community.The EU is not solely beneficial for its members but neighbouring countries are also reaping benefits.

The most important being peaceful co-existence. Let us look at the factors and not make judgements from what is in our heads. Bill Morehead, Darlington.

GLOBAL WARMING:

I READ the article on global warming with interest (Echo, Jan 31).

It is worrying, but I maintain that mankind has great capacity to manage. We are already starting on developing factories to make bio-diesel fuel for cars and eventually jet planes.

There are ideas for the possibility of capturing power station exhausts and the increase of wind farms and the use of solar power will help.

However, we must not be complacent, but use the latest technology. Fred M Atkinson, Shincliffe.

SOUTHERN COMFORT:

I was stunned to learn that, due to water shortages Down South, it was possible that in the North-East we will have to pay 25 per household to help subsidise the impending drought.

From what I gathered, the Northern water companies will pay the Southern ones not to draw water from lakes, rivers and reservoirs.

At best this will encourage the Southern boards to implement water controls.How come our water companies planned long term: Keilder, etc, yet it looks like we shall end up paying for the lack of foresight by other companies. Its just not right.But I could have a solution.

If we assist the South to the tune of 25 per household for water, why cant the Southern area gas/electric providers assist us lot up North to the tune of 25 per household because its colder? Name and address supplied.

STOLEN MOMENTS:

I HOPE the elderly friends and relatives of whoever removed the white plastic chairs from my front garden enjoy resting their bodies on them, as mine have done over the past few years.

t would have been nice to sit on them occasionally in the sunshine.

Maybe Ill put a notice up inviting friends to bring their own cushions and rugs as they have in York Minister, now that they have removed all the pews.

But Im afraid that if I do I'll have to hire a crane to get them on their feet again. J Tate, Darlington.

NOT POPULAR: I THINK it is terrible that the students and young people in our communities are being penalised to give us senior citizens free bus passes.

We should have been told by Gordon Brown that we would be given these free bus passes by taking away money from the young people to get to their colleges and schools and also cutting services.

We are not going to be very popular with the young through no fault of our own.

I find the Labour Government can find money for all sorts of other things, so they must do more to put this wrong to right. J Oliver, Barnard Castle.