A PICTURE of great interest of the QE2 was in the Sunderland Echo (Nov 12) showing the Duke of Edinburgh being accompanied by Captain Ian McNaught from Sunderland, as it leaves on its final voyage to Dubai from Southampton.

Captain McNaught was not the only link with this grand old lady of the seas with Sunderland.

Very few knew (if any) that the managing director of Sunderland Shipbuilders Mr George H Parker was a managing director of the Clyde shipyard where the QE2. was built.I have a picture of George with Queen Elizabeth when Her Majesty launched the QE2.

Since his retirement he's written two books appertaining to shipbuilding in the North East.
William Smith,
Archer Road,
Farringdon,
Sunderland

Super sweepers
ON Friday, November 7, a group of Sunderland City Council workers were busily sweeping up autumn leaves in Queen Alexandra Road.
They informed me of the fact that, although we all appreciate the attractive colours of autumn leaves, they are a hazard to passers by – especially old folk – as they stroll along this attractive highway. "Truly an impressive example of dedication to a worthy cause," I mused.
A day later Sunderland AFC lost at home to Portsmouth. Five days later Sunderland AFC lost at home to Blackburn Rovers.
Such sad events, however, are of minor importance when weighed in the balance against a commonplace but memorable event in Queen Alexandra Road on a beautiful autmn day in the city where I was born 74 years ago.
George Henry Hamilton
The Estuary,
Tweedmouth

Bring bobbies back
WHEN will these people who are in authority and the do-gooders realise that Barnes Park and the extensions which were lovely walkways and places to take your children are being destroyed by yobs?
After November 5 walking through the extensions and the park I was amazed to find trees uprooted, bonfire remains and lots of rubbish which consisted of bottles and beer cans.
I thought bonfires were not allowed on the park and extensions. It must be costing a fortune to put this right each year with ratepayers' money.
I thought we had police patrols on these areas because of the vandalism but they are rarely seen.
Bring back the bobby

Not whole truth
PETE Bogg (Letters, November 12) raised a couple of points in his mainly ill-informed letter that need addressing.
Firstly, he states that George Osbourne should explain enjoying a Russian billionaire's hospitality. Maybe he should, but why not mention that Osbourne was accompanied by Peter Mandelson the twice disgraced labour Minister.
Secondly, he questions the Conservatives planned high-speed rail link that stops at Leeds. He would be better employed asking this Labour Government why, after 11 years of massive taxation and borrowing, they have not provided a high speed link or the road widening schemes we desperately need.
Coun Alan Wright,
Conservative,
St Chad's Ward

Just a sideswipe
FOLLOWING the 1.5 per cent Bank of England rate cut, what was Shadow Chancellor Georgie Porgie Osborne's response? "It goes to show the state of the economy"
Not, that was the right thing to do, not that "We would have done X or Y" no, just yet another sideswipe at the state of the economy – an economy affected by global and not national decisions.
It could be argued that Tory-supporting bank leaders should have been more prudent, but sadly they weren't. Even after his negative response, is there any idea of what Georgie, friend of the oligarch would do?
Well not on your nelly! You see the Tories, a lot like the local bunch are quick to criticise, blame and just oppose everything and anything.
So is the Tory party a viable alternative? Nope. Camermoron may have a track record in spin through his PR days but you don't need to dig very deep to see the lack of any real ideas.
Thank goodness they're not in charge!
Pete Bogg,
Eat Boldon

Lives blighted
NOT for the first time we have the lives of decent people being blighted because someone employed by Sunderland City Council decided it would be a good idea to give the Dunelm service station a 24-hour licence to sell booze.
As for the remarks of Inspector Jackie Clark of Northumbria Police, my retort to her and the rest of them is short and to the point; why don't you all get up off your backsides and do what we, as taxpayers, expect from its police force.
The only time we ever come across any is when Sunderland football team is at home, when they are there in great numbers "dressed to kill".
Bob Graves,
The Croft,
Thornholme Road,
Sunderland

George's choice
FURTHER to the letter from Ivy Launders in Friday's (November 14) edition – Re "Leave George Alone", being a Plaza cinema aficionado in the 1940s, I saw many George Formby films and as far as I can recall he played neither the ukulele nor the banjo (Letters, Mick "The Pen" Brown, October 20).
The banjo ukulele was his instrument of choice!
Leo the Lion

SOLDIER'S CHRISTMAS
HE lived all alone in a one-bedroom house made of plaster and stone,
I had come down the chimney with presents to give and to see just who in this house did live.
I looked all about a strange sight I did see, no tinsel no presents not even a tree,
No stocking by the mantel just boots filled with sand, on the wall hung a picture of a far distant land
With medals and badges awards of all kind, a sober thought came through my mind.
For this house was different, dark and dreary, I found the home of a soldier once I could see clearly,
The soldier lay sleeping silent all alone curled up on the floor in this one-bedroom home.
The face was so gentle the room is such disorder, not how I pictured a lone British soldier,
Was this the hero of who I'd just read, curled up on a poncho the floor for a bed?
I realised the families that I said this night owed their lives to the soldiers who were willing to fight,
Soon round the world the children would play and the grown-ups would celebrate a bright Christmas day.
They all enjoy freedom each month of the year because of the soldier like the one lying here.
I couldn't help wonder how many alone on a cold Christmas eve in a land far from home,
The very thought brought a tear to my eye I dropped to my knees and cry,
The soldier awakened and I heard a rough voice, Santa don't cry, this life is my choice,
I fight for freedom I don't ask for more, my life is my God, my country and corps.
The soldier rolled over and drifted to sleep, I couldn't control it I continued to weep.
I kept watch for hours so silent and still and we both sat and shivered from the cold night's chill.
I didn't want to leave on that cold night, this guardian of honour so willing to fight.
The soldier rolled over with a voice soft and pure whispered carry on Santa, Christmas day is secure.
One look at my watch and I knew he was right. Merry Christmas my friend and to all a good night.
Mary Owen,
Southwick,
Sunderland