SIR – In response to Roger Williams’ letter (June 17) “Why Can’t City Hit the Right Note for Elgar?”, I must absolutely support what he says.
I have long felt that this city must do more to celebrate the life and accomplishments of its most famous son.
Indeed, it is my belief that June 2, Elgar’s birthday, should be officially declared Edward Elgar Day in Worcester and include celebrations of his life, accomplishments and plenty of performances of his work. This would create a focal point in the calendar for lovers of his work (and indeed everyone) to come together in the city to celebrate and this in turn will no doubt generate additional tourism and revenue.
I am happy to support any group or individual who would want to see this happen. Elgar’s statue will soon be looking out proudly over Cathedral Square, a new development that will bring much-needed open space to the city centre and I feel certain that some form of open air event could take place in the shadow of the great man himself.
COUNCILLOR ALAN FEENEY
Worcester


Not left or right but just sensible
SIR – The Telegraph recently carried an interesting article by Stephen Woolf, MEP observing that UKIP is neither Right nor Left wing, it’s just sensible.
The old L/R spectrum has no place in today’s politics when leaving the EU is the most radical policy proposed by any party. He believes that the L/R spectrum is now outdated and pushed by lazy media analysts who have not quite caught up with the new political landscape.
UKIP is the only party proposing real change by leaving the EU.
UKIP does not have to kowtow to outside bodies such as unions or corporate sponsors. If R/L is ‘radical’ then seeking an EU In/Out referendum and staking a claim to take back Britain’s sovereignty at the centre of the country’s political agenda is arguably the most radical policy that has emerged from any UK political party since 1974; even the most curmudgeonly of political commentators could agree.
WENDY HANDS
Upton-upon-Severn

Homing day for cats was a big success
SIR – Reference Jane Hargreaves’ letter published on June 16 concerning the RSPCA’s crowded cat kennels and the importance of getting cats neutered. We really appreciate Ms Hargreaves’ support. She is right in saying that it is vital that people get their cats neutered, which helps to avoid so many kittens becoming unwanted cats.
There is just one point we would like to clarify; that is, the RSPCA Worcester & Mid-Worcestershire Branch’s policy is to re-home the animals in their care, not to destroy them. This is one of the reasons the kennels are always full.
We held a cat re-homing day on Saturday, June 13 and are pleased to say that 10 cats were reserved pending home visits. We would like to thank all those who came and offered new homes to our lovely cats, which included several of our long-stayers.
Of course those lucky cats will soon be replaced by others in need of treatment, TLC and their forever homes.
For help in neutering your cat/s if you are on low income please call our office on 01905 20822.
To offer a cat a home, call 01905 841354.
PAMELA BOOKER
Honorary Branch Secretary
RSPCA Worcester and Mid-Worcestershire


Cleanliness and hygiene down the list
SIR – After five and a half years in the forces, I was unsuccessful finding decent employment so I went to college to further my skills. After a two-year course in catering I passed with flying colours. Our first priority was cleanliness and hygiene to prevent cross contamination. I would love to hear from anyone who has noticed on television, how many so called “chefs” put hygiene and cleanliness first.
Nigel Slater, long hair, unshaven. Both Hairy Bikers, the same, James Martin, Mary Berry and watch Jamie Oliver, with his lisp he tends to spit sometimes. None of these chefs wash their hands, none cover their head. They don’t even put an apron on now. This is filthy disgusting practice. A lot of people would say “Oh what a lovely meal, so quick and nicely prepared”, but do they really know what they are consuming? Germs and bacteria grow everywhere and anywhere.
L M R PRESLEY
Bransford

Why did it take four days to get road open?
SIR – Flytippers close a road for four days. Absolutely disgusting  – that it took FOUR days to clear a bit of garden rubbish!
M C RANDALL
Kempsey

How will non-smoking rule be enforced
SIR – As a non-smoker I agree with the decision to ban all smoking at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals but how will the new rule be enforced?
I was an office worker from 1955 to 1992,but it took a very long time to get such a ban implemented and then the smokers used to nip outside for a drag.
PHIL PEGLER
Worcester

Don’t dump rubbish
SIR – Give your rubbish (Dave Bradley, Worcester News, June 13) to a charity shop, don’t dump it.
GEORGE COWLEY
Worcester