SIR – I write to voice the thanks of the ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, Worcestershire Appeal, to the people of Worcester who gathered on Saturday to view the Freedom of the City march by the Queen’s Royal Hussars.

During the march, a number of volunteers from the charity, very ably assisted by reservists from B Sqn The Royal Yeomanry and Army cadets from Worcester and St Johns, collected funds on behalf of the charity by touring the crowd, which had gathered to view the march past in the City. During the day the collection amounted to over £1,412 a wonderful and overwhelming result.

Thank you Worcester and thank you to those hardy volunteers who so willingly assisted on the day and to those who gave of their funds without any pressure being applied!

Should you wish to become a volunteer and assist with the charity to raise funds for our soldiers and their families, in times of need, please contact the writer on the following email address; stamfordstmfcr@aol.com

COL (RETD) SJ CARTWRIGHT MBE TD

Chairman Worcestershire Appeal ABF

The Soldiers Charity Keep royalty out of the Europe debate

SIR – In a most informative article written by John Petley of the Campaign for an Independent Britain, he writes that he had the privilege of presenting the CBI’s latest booklet “Generations Betrayed” at a meeting of The Better Off Out Group, a meeting of MPs, Lords, think-tanks and eurosceptic campaign groups.

This excellent booklet written by Chris McGovern, chairman of Real Education illustrates how history teaching has been dumbed down in Britain.

Lord Stoddart of Swindon, also a member of the above group, complained that Her Majesty’s speech in Germany had “the sticky fingers” of the Foreign Office all over it.

He believed it was a clumsy attempt by the Foreign Office to place the Royal family on the side of the UK remaining in the EU.

The division in Europe referred to by Her Majesty describes the chaos in the EU and its attempts to ensure social policies within its boundaries that are leading to huge reductions in standards of living and riots in some nation states.

He warns that the Foreign Office should beware of using the Royal family as pawns in the debate about this nation’s future in the EU member states.

With great respect to Her Majesty, I am tempted to call this a right royal cock-up ...

WENDY HANDS

Upton-upon-Severn

Provide free travel for schools to museum

SIR – While agreeing with much of what Janet Jarvix said (June 26) about the ideal scenario of there being a purpose-built concert venue bearing the name of Sir Edward Elgar in Worcester, there is also a lot less of the Worcester which he knew still standing.

And I wonder if he would approve of some of the modern buildings in the county which bear his name?

Malvern, my home town, is not immune from this criticism either!

We desperately need younger people, as well as children, to become aware of Elgar, and to support the Elgar Birthplace in the future, to ensure that its invaluable collection is preserved for the nation.

Its future is currently uncertain, and it needs every visitor it can receive to survive, so it is vital for local people to visit, despite where it is located?

Free coach travel for county school parties to Broadheath would seem to be a sensible policy for the council to adopt, if Councillor Feeney genuinely wishes to help the Museum?

IAN MORGAN

Elgar Birthplace Museum volunteer & Elgar Society member

Malvern Link I never saw all this heading our way

SIR – Every day we see the problem they have in Calais and the French say it’s our fault because they’re all heading for our small island because of our benefits.

Well we already know that.

I’ve said it before and now again we could all see the big problems that lay ahead for us joining the EU.

We should never have had joined.

The rate things are going our country will be taken from us.

I was born in the war years when everything was British and didn’t dream this was heading our way.

A G MACDONALD

Worcester

Banning smoking just moves the problem

SIR – It seems to me that by banning smoking outside the hospital in designated areas with bins provided, it has simply moved the problem off the premises.

Since banning staff from smoking, they have merely moved to Worcester Woods and there are piles of cigarettes nub ends to be seen on the walks to the hospital.

Hospital authorities have to take some responsibility for this as it is their action which is the cause.

JANE HUMPHRIES

Spetchley

Let’s have talking and not fighting, please

SIR – We are on a war footing says President Obama re Tunisia.

Bloody men, causing wars left, right and centre.

Talk, don’t fight.

GEORGE COWLEY

Worcester