Euro footie more fun without us
I am sending this email immediately after Spain's victory over Germany in the Euro 2008 final. Obviously the better team won on the night and I say this with none of the stereotypical delight we English folk are said to indulge in whenever Germany get beaten at anything.
In fact, I have nothing but admiration for the German spirit.
No matter how indifferent their players appear to be, they always seem to qualify and make progress through competitions.
But the main reason I am writing is to say how utterly delightful it has been not to have England participating.
We've not had to read about England fans getting drunk and causing trouble, we've not had to endure endless pictures of WAGs in bars, WAGs in shops and WAGs modelling their latest designer clothes...
And best of all, we've not had to watch England struggle to match the technical expertise of their continental rivals.
It's been great.
Jon Greene, via email

Contest displayed a few odd traditions
I was persuaded to watch the Euro 08 Championship on the grounds that England wouldn't be humiliated...
It's been pretty dull.
What has intrigued me though, is the fact that before the players took to the pitch, each of them was required to grab a reluctant child to show them the way on.
The players then stood in line and proved they didn't know the words to their country's national anthem.
After this, a game was played.
Under the new rules, apparently, if the ball comes your way, or someone even looks your way, you throw yourself to the ground, and you have to grimace and roll over at least three times, while clutching your right knee... no matter where you are kicked.
Maybe next tournament they could play the reluctant kids. It might be more entertaining.
Allan Fazackerley, Monks Walk, Penwortham

Make a difference at vital charity shops
If anyone has spare time and is looking for a fulfilling way of giving something back to the community, then join us in the Age Concern shop in Plungington.
My mother attended the Wilthy Trees Centre and she always looked forward to her days there.
Unlike other facilities she attended, at this centre she was treated with respect, given interesting things to do and felt that she was listened to as an individual.
After her death and on my semi-retirement from work, it seemed only natural to go along and help out.
The staff and volunteers work hard but enjoy meeting with the customers, helping them to bag a bargain and getting to know their likes and dislikes.
Even though I have moved further away from the shop I still enjoy my session in there.
The people who work there make an effective team and I would particularly like to acknowledge Marilyn and Joan who work their socks off to ensure the shop is a success.
If anyone feels they would like to come and join this friendly team, just pop in.
If you don't live nearby, then I am sure any of the other shops would love to have your support. If you can't spare the time, we would still be grateful for donations of clothing, bric a brac, books etc.
Every item is made use of in one way or another to raise money to help care for an often neglected sector of the community.
Anne W Jones, Bannistre Court, Tarleton

Taking freedom in West for granted
The Evening Post was right to air the subject of Robert Mugabe and the manner in which he has contrived through violence and bloodshed to secure another term as President of Zimbabwe (Comment, June 21). I could weep for the ordinary people he has cowed into submission.
Goodness knows we have plenty to complain about in this country, what with rising food and fuel costs, endless taxation and politicians who seem too fond of living lifestyles cossetted by our hard-earned money.
But you look at Zimbabwe, which has been reduced to a pile of economic rubble under the guidance of a deluded dictator, and you realise just how well off we are in the western world.
Name and address supplied

More traffic if bus station isn't moved
You made some telling points recently about the state of public transport in and around Preston, which you described as unco-
ordinated.
But you didn't actually include what is going to be the worst example of this, if the Tithebarn project proceeds as planned.
Where is the co-ordination in putting the new bus station at the opposite end of the city centre to the railway station?
I personally don't mind whether the old bus station survives or not, but I do care about the missed opportunity.
No matter how difficult it was to site the new bus station somewhere near the railway station, the planners should have
persevered.
And it's no use saying that the train station will benefit from a shuttle bus service. That's just putting more heavy vehicles on Preston's roads when the whole idea is to create less traffic.
Name and address supplied

Only worth singing praises of Wogan
The French once described the Eurovision Song Contest as a monument to mediocrity and drivel.
Well, after our recent poor showing in the competition, for once I'm tempted to to agree with the French.
It was once a credible contest in which European nations would present an original song well performed, and be fairly judged by other European nations.
Now it's just a laughing stock with dubious voting by countries in close proximity to each other.
The only thing worth tuning in for these days is Terry Wogan's sardonic wit.
S I Briscoe, The Green, Ribbleton

I remember windmill next to old cinema
With regard to the old windmill on Craggs Row, Preston, I am 88 years old and was brought up in Thomas Street (Brow in those days).
So I knew the old windmill very well. It had various uses but was never a cinema.
It was once a rag shop and a coal yard where one could buy coal in a small truck for a tanner (six old pence) or swap rags for jam jars.
Two jam jars would get you into The Cosy - Mr Wiles's cinema on Peter Street.
Mr Bennet's cinema was next door to the windmill.
Bill Cornwell, Marina Grove, Lostock Hall

RPH saved my life
May I thank the intensive care unit and special care ward at Royal Preston Hospital for all the excellent care they gave me. Without them, I wouldn't be here today.
Also, I wish to thank my family, relatives, neighbours and friends too numerous to mention, for all their prayers and support.
Pearl Goodwin, Yew Tree Avenue, Ribbleton

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