SIR – I worked in the Giffard Hotel as second head hall porter (dizzy heights!) from 1967 until 1973 – in fact, I began when the hotel was still being completed because it opened officially in June 1967. On the opening day I was supposed to briefly attend the ceremony and leave in the afternoon for my last written test in French: I was unable to do so.
I still remember several members of management and staff: at times I meet a couple of fellow-workers who live in Worcester – we may not be in the prime of youth, but we still go on firmly. I saw my share of celebrities: one of them was David Bowie, a very polite and courteous young man. When his departure time came, I was requested to smuggle him out via a back entrance. I do apologise profusely to all his fans.
JOHN E IEBOLE
Worcester

Why are Eurosceptics
voting to remain?
SIR – Congratulations to Karen Lumley on being the only Worcestershire MP to back the Leave campaign. Evidently Ms Lumley is someone who puts principle before party and country before career. 
The same cannot be said for the county’s two supposed ‘Eurosceptics’; Sajid Javid and Robin Walker. After spouting invective towards the EU and rebelling in Parliament (Walker) in recent years, one could understand if these two had opted to Remain, if and when the Prime Minister brought back fundamental reform of the EU. But the PM brought back nothing of the kind, and the two ‘EU rebels’ still decided to back him to the hilt. Were they momentarily dazzled by the PM’s pathetically lightweight ‘reforms’? Perhaps their faculties were momentarily disturbed.
Apparently the opinions or concerns of local big businesses were a big factor in swaying Mr Walker (Worcester News, February 23). The cynic in me suggests that those companies may be amongst those who either undertake or benefit from political lobbying of the EU’s Commission and Parliament in Brussels. That city alone is home to approximately 30,000 corporate lobbyists (nearly equalling the Commission staff). There, they influence the formulation of laws and regulations to their own benefit. Well, they would warn of the ‘dangers’ of Brexit, wouldn’t they?
Poor show, Messrs Javid and Walker.
JAMES GOAD
Grassroots Out


Bill was born to mining stock in the North
SIR – I was pleased to see your reference to my friend, Bill Jackman, in a recent copy of Worcester News, but I am afraid I must point out to you one or two errors. 
Bill was not a Worcester boy, as you say, and was not born here. 
He was born and brought up in the mining village of Royston, near Barnsley, where his father worked with my father as a coal miner down Monckton Pit. Bill attended Royston Secondary School until the age of 13 when he transferred to Normanton Grammar School which I also attended and we travelled to school daily the 11 miles by train.
As a young man of 17, Bill was sought after by several of the old First Division clubs including Sheffield Wednesday and Arsenal. 
At the age of 18, he joined the RAF and represented them on the right wing. 
When he left the RAF he trained as a teacher and took up a post at the old St Stephens’ School with Mr Ken Langley as head teacher. 
Bill was then recruited by Stan Cullis to play for Wolves in a famous team which included Jimmy Mullen (Scotland) and Johnny Hancocks (England), but his wife persuaded him to concentrate on teaching when Cullis told him he must be a footballer or a teacher.
Finally, I do not think that the photograph that you published bears any resemblance to Bill.
KEN TYSON
Worcester

More right-wing scare tactics about the EU
SIR – On the subject of the EU, GB Dipper always spoils his arguments with sweeping generalisations that appear to have their roots in the right-wing press, which never lets a few facts get in the way of an opportunity to put the boot in to the EU.
A case in point was his complaint about “health tourism” which he portrayed as EU citizens helping themselves to NHS services without paying for them (Letters, March 1).
Mr Dipper is apparently unaware of the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) which is available to all citizens of the European Economic Area which lets you get state healthcare anywhere in Europe at a reduced cost or free to cover you for treatment that is needed to allow you to continue your stay abroad until your planned return. 
If there are refunds outstanding between EU countries for medical services (and it works in both directions), that is an accounting matter, not a reason to leave the EU.
The agreement that has produced the EHIC system is one of many examples of the benefits to the people of this country of Britain remaining a member of the EU.
PETER NIELSEN
Worcester
 
Fishy story opened a real can of worms
SIR – I have read the article referring to the worm in the fish [at Manor Farm, Worcester].
I am sure he wasn’t lying as it sounds very plausible to me. 
May I just say I have bought fresh fish and when cutting it I have found a worm deep inside still alive. 
These worms are often found in sea fish, I have also found worms on kippers. So I believe this man’s complaint is true, It’s something you have to be aware of.
VALERIE BURTON
Worcester